Redtail barb
📖 Overview
Common at altitudes of 300-1000 m, especially in clear streams of the sandstone belt. Prefers pools, where it is frequently the only fish species present apart from eels. It thus represents an important link in the food chain, feeding on aquatic insects and other small invertebrates and falling prey to eels, birds and others
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Redtail barb is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Redtail barb is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Subtropical; 27°S - 30°S north of the Tugela basin.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Redtail 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 Redtail barb is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Redtail 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
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Redtail Barb |
| 🌍AFR | Rooistert-ghieliemientjie · Rooistertghieliemientjie |
| 🌍CES | parmička Gurneyova |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barbus gurneyi | Günther | 1868 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Redtail barb.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Redtail barb ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.