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Algerian barb (Luciobarbus callensis) — Cyprinidae

Algerian barb

Luciobarbus callensis
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Algerian barb (Luciobarbus callensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

Luciobarbus callensis is a robust barb (family Cyprinidae) of north-western Africa. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with an inferior mouth and barbels. It inhabits rivers, lakes and impoundments in the Maghreb and feeds as an omnivore on small invertebrates, algae, detritus and plant matter. The species is of commercial and local fishery value and is regularly eaten. It is harmless to humans. Like many barbs it migrates to shallower, flowing stretches in the spawning season.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Algerian barb?

The Algerian barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Algerian barb live?

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

How big does the Algerian barb get?

The Algerian barb grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Algerian barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Algerian barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Algerian barb edible?

Yes, the Algerian barb is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Algerijnse barbeel sourced
English name
Algerian barb verified
Scientific name
Luciobarbus callensis
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Algerian barb verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) 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
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met worm, deeg of mais in rivieren en stuwmeren. sourced
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 Luciobarbus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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