Home · Cyprinidae · Kosswig's scraper
Kosswig's scraper (Capoeta kosswigi) — Cyprinidae

Kosswig's scraper

Capoeta kosswigi
Family: Cyprinidae

The Kosswig's scraper (Capoeta kosswigi) is a fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 20 cm.

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

Want the complete picture on the Kosswig's scraper?

Description

The Kosswig's scraper is a scraper barb (Cyprinidae) from rivers, streams and lakes of the Tigris and Euphrates system in the Middle East. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with large scales, barbels and an inferior mouth with a horny edge. As a social bottom-dweller it rasps algae and biofilm from stones and searches for small invertebrates and plant matter. It is locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Kosswig's scraper?

The Kosswig's scraper is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Kosswig's scraper live?

The Kosswig's scraper is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Kosswig's scraper get?

The Kosswig's scraper grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Kosswig's scraper dangerous to humans?

No, the Kosswig's scraper 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.

Want the complete picture on the Kosswig's scraper?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Kosswig's scraper is one of 12,519 species in the app.

All data

Identification

English name
Kosswig's scraper sourced
Scientific name
Capoeta kosswigi
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Ankara barb; Mesopotamian barb; Van barb

Appearance

Size class
Medium
Max length (cm)
20
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced

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 Capoeta

More from the family Cyprinidae

Want the complete picture on the Kosswig's scraper?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Kosswig's scraper is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Is this the Kosswig's scraper?