barbel

Scientific name Barbus barbus
Descriptor Linnaeus
Year of description 1758
IUCN category (World) LC
Family Cyprinidae
Genus Barbus
Barbus barbus Barbus barbus

Introduction

The Barbus barbus, more commonly known as the barbel, is a cold water fish native to Europe.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    30 cm
  • Maximum size
    120 cm
  • Average size
    30 cm
  • Maximum size
    120 cm

How to recognize the barbel ?

The barbel thrives in medium to fast currents, where it moves stones with its strong snout. It mainly feeds on aquatic larvae.

Sexual dimorphism

Dimorphism not specified.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    omnivorous
  • Sociability
    gregarious
  • territorial
    No
  • Way of living
    nocturnal

The barbel is a fish that lives in large groups naturally residing near the bottom. It is a species with a rather lively temperament.

The barbel is a fish that primarily lives at night. Generally, it leaves its hiding place and becomes active as soon as dusk sets in.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert

The barbel is an oviparous fish that spawns on exposed substrate.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    10 - 24 °C
  • Flow
    Strong

Biotope presentation

The species particularly favors clear waters with strong currents. The ground is typically made up of pebbles.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Patrick Chartrer

Patrick Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

In collaboration with : Reflets d'eau douce

Bibliographic references

Les Poissons d'eau douce de France - Eric Feunteun - Jean Allardi - Philippe Keith - Biotope Edition - 2011. Collection Inventaires & Biodiversité, publication scientifique du Muséum

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Where to see this species?

Scientific partners

Species of the same family

Same genus

Species of the same biotope

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