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Thys' barb (Enteromius thysi) — Cyprinidae

Thys' barb

Enteromius thysi
Family: Cyprinidae
EN · Endangered

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

Length
6.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–? m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Thys' barb is a small cyprinid barb endemic to Lower Guinea in West Africa, in coastal rivers of southwestern Cameroon and on the island of Bioko in Equatorial Guinea. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a streamlined, silver-grey body with a subinferior mouth, two pairs of long barbels, two round spots beneath the dorsal fin and a spot on the caudal peduncle. It lives in fresh water and feeds omnivorously. Because of its restricted range and habitat loss the species is listed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Thys' barb?

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

Where does the Thys' barb live?

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

How big does the Thys' barb get?

The Thys' barb grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Thys' barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Thys' barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Thys' barb edible?

The Thys' barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Thys' barbeel verified
English name
Thys' barb verified
Scientific name
Enteromius thysi
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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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