African redfinned barb
📖 Overview
African redfinned barb (Enteromius camptacanthus), first described by Bleeker, 1863 is a medium-sized fish in the family Cyprinidae (order Cypriniformes). Adults typically reach 15.50 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, kept in the aquarium hobby, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Cyprinidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 8. Diagnosis: Mouth subinferior; two long and unequal pairs of barbels , anterior pair not extending beyond centre of eye; posterior pair reaching to, or extending beyond, posterior half of eye/extending beyond hind margin of eye . Lateral line complete and deeply depressed below dorsal fin; 21-25 scales in lateral line; 3.5-4.5 scales between lateral line and origin of dorsal fin; 4.5 scales between lateral line and middle of belly; 2.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic fin insertion; 12 circumpeduncular scales . Dorsal fin 0.8-0.9 times head length . Eight branched dorsal fin rays; last simple dorsal-fin ray smooth on hind margin; 2 large black spots on sides, one on anterior part of body and one on caudal peduncle . : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for African redfinned barb is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.8 - 7.8; dH range: 5 - 15. Tropical; 22°C - 28°C west of the Niger (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"African redfinned barb is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for African redfinned barb is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for African redfinned barb has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barbodes camptacanthus | Bleeker | 1863 | Synonym |
| Barbus camptacanthus | Bleeker | 1863 | Synonym |
| Barbus camptacanthus camptacanthus | Bleeker | 1863 | Synonym |
| Puntius camptacanthus | Bleeker | 1863 | Synonym |
| Puntius tholonianus | Thominot | 1886 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect African redfinned barb.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 367 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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