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Ercis barbel (Barbus ercisianus) — Cyprinidae

Ercis barbel

Barbus ercisianus
Family: Cyprinidae

The Ercis barbel (Barbus ercisianus) is a fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

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Description

The Ercis barbel is a barb (Cyprinidae) from rivers, streams and lakes of Anatolia in Turkey. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with large scales and often barbels by the mouth. As a social schooling fish it searches for insect larvae, small invertebrates, algae and plant matter. It is locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ercis barbel?

The Ercis barbel is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Ercis barbel live?

The Ercis barbel is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Ercis barbel get?

The Ercis barbel grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Ercis barbel dangerous to humans?

No, the Ercis barbel is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Ercis barbel sourced
Scientific name
Barbus ercisianus
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Barbell; Ercis barbell; Kosswig's barbell; Kura barbel; Kura barbell

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
12
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Barbus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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