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Caldwell's barb (Spinibarbus caldwelli) — Cyprinidae

Caldwell's barb

Spinibarbus caldwelli
Family: Cyprinidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Caldwell's barb (Spinibarbus caldwelli) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 33 cm.

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

Description

Caldwell's barb is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from East Asia. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with a stout, ossified front dorsal fin ray, characteristic of the genus Spinibarbus. It inhabits fast-flowing rivers and streams with a rocky or gravel bottom. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, plant matter, insect larvae and small invertebrates. Owing to a lack of data the species is regarded as data deficient. It is a local food fish and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Caldwell's barb?

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

Where does the Caldwell's barb live?

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

How big does the Caldwell's barb get?

The Caldwell's barb grows to a maximum of about 33 cm.

Is the Caldwell's barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Caldwell's barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Caldwell's barb edible?

Yes, the Caldwell's barb is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Caldwells stekelbarbeel sourced
English name
Caldwell's barb sourced
Scientific name
Spinibarbus caldwelli
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
32.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes 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 natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Spinibarbus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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