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Fourspot barb (Enteromius tetrastigma) — Cyprinidae

Fourspot barb

Enteromius tetrastigma
Family: Cyprinidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Fourspot barb (Enteromius tetrastigma) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The fourspot barb is a small African barb (Cyprinidae) from Central Africa. The species is small and silvery and bears a few dark spots on the flank, from which it gets its name. It inhabits streams and small rivers and stays mainly near the bottom. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae and detritus. Owing to limited data its status is uncertain. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fourspot barb?

The Fourspot barb has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Fourspot barb live?

The Fourspot barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Fourspot barb get?

The Fourspot barb grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Fourspot barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Fourspot barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Fourspot barb edible?

The Fourspot barb is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Viervlek-barbeel sourced
English name
Fourspot barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius tetrastigma
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Enteromius

More from the family Cyprinidae

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