Barbel steed
📖 Overview
Barbel steed (Hemibarbus labeo), first described by Pallas, 1776 is a large fish in the family Gobionidae (order Cypriniformes). Adults typically reach 67.00 cm in maximum length and up to 3.000 kg. Reported lifespan reaches approximately 15 years. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. Recorded depth range: 5 to 20 metres. It occurs in Temperate waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, valued as a game and sport species, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Gobionidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Vertebrae: 40 - 42. Body spots absent in adults. Elongated body with slightly convex dorsal profile. Head length longer than body depth. Snout length much longer than postorbital head length. Lips well developed, lateral lobes of lower lip broad and thick, with folds, the median process small. Barbel length slightly thick, shorter or equal to eye diameter. Dorsal spine strong, 2/3 of HL. Origin of dorsal fin nearer the tip of snout than the caudal base. Gill rakers more than 15 . Anal fin with 6 1/2 branched rays; last simple dorsal rays ossified, spine-like .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Barbel steed is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; potamodromous ; depth range 5 - 20 m . Temperate; 54°N - 19°N, 105°E - 143°E Recorded from Mekong basin in Laos which apparently the result of introduction, either in Laos, or more likely upriver in Mekong basin in China (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Barbel steed 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 Barbel steed is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Barbel steed 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 | Amur barbel · Skin-carp |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Korainigoi · ニゴイ · コウライニゴイ |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 唇䱻 · 唇 · 真口魚 · 竹篙頭 · 花䱻 · |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acanthogobio oxyrhynchus | Nikolskii | 1903 | Synonym |
| Barbus labeo | Pallas | 1776 | Synonym |
| Barbus schlegelii | Günther | 1868 | Synonym |
| Cyprinus labeo | Pallas | 1776 | Synonym |
| Gobio barbus | Temminck & Schlegel | 1846 | Synonym |
| Gobiobarbus labeo | Pallas | 1776 | Synonym |
| Hemibarbus barbus | Temminck & Schlegel | 1846 | Synonym |
| Hemibarbus longianalis | Kimura | 1934 | Synonym |
| Pseudogobio chaoi | Evermann & Shaw | 1927 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 491 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Barbel steed ↗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.