Niger barb
📖 Overview
Feed on crustaceans, insects, molluscs and organic debris; in the Jebel Aulia Reservoir, annual spawning coincides with the onset of the floods; fecundity estimates ranged from 72 x 1,000 at 33 cm (4 yrs.) to over 14 x 10,000 at 74 cm (8 yrs) .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 14; Anal soft rays: 8. Diagnosis: last simple dorsal-fin ray forming ossified spine longer than head in specimens over 150 mm SL. B. bynni occidentalis: scale formula 5.5/26-31/4.5-5.5; 2.5-3 scales between lateral line and middle of belly, behind pelvic-fin origin; 12 scales around caudal peduncle; dorsal fin with 4 unbrached and 9 branched rays; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5 branched rays; pectoral fin with 16-19 rays; pelvic fin with 1 unbranched and 8 branched rays; 3-5/12-15 gill rakers on first gill arch . B. bynni waldroni: scale formula 4.5/24-28/4.5; 2.5 scales between lateral line and middle of belly, behind pelvic-fin origin; 12 scales around caudal peduncle; dorsal fin with 4 unbranched and 9-10 branched rays; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5 branched rays; pectoral fin with 1 unbranched and 14-16 soft rays; pelvic fin with 1 unbranched and 8 branched rays; 3-6/14-17 gill rakers on first gill arch .
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Niger barb is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Labeobarbus bynni feeds on crustaceans (including ostracods), insects (including chironomid larvae), molluscs, small algae, and organic debris.
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Subtropical; 32°N - 3°N west of the Volta basin.
🌿 Ecology
crustaceans, insects, molluscs and organic debris; in the Jebel Aulia Reservoir, annual spawning coi
📐 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
"Niger 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 Niger barb is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Niger 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barbus binny | Forsskål | 1775 | Synonym |
| Barbus bynni bynni | Forsskål | 1775 | Synonym |
| Barbus bynni occidentalis | Boulenger | 1911 | Synonym |
| Barbus bynni rudolfianus | Worthington | 1932 | Synonym |
| Barbus bynni waldroni | Norman | 1935 | Synonym |
| Barbus foureaui | Pellegrin | 1919 | Synonym |
| Barbus lancrenonensis | Blache & Miton | 1960 | Synonym |
| Barbus lepidotus | Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire | 1809 | Synonym |
| Barbus meneliki | Pellegrin | 1905 | Synonym |
| Barbus occidentalis | Boulenger | 1911 | Synonym |
| Barbus occidentalis foureaui | Pellegrin | 1919 | Synonym |
| Barbus rudolfianus | Worthington | 1932 | Synonym |
| Barbus ruspolii | Vinciguerra | 1897 | Synonym |
| Barbus ruspolii ruspolii | Vinciguerra | 1897 | Synonym |
| Barbus seguensis | Pellegrin | 1925 | Synonym |
| Barbus waldroni | Norman | 1935 | Synonym |
| Cyprinus bynni | Forsskål | 1775 | Synonym |
| Cyprinus lepidotus | Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire | 1809 | Synonym |
| Labeobarbus bynni occidentalis | Boulenger | 1911 | Synonym |
| Labeobarbus bynni waldroni | Norman | 1935 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Niger barb.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 30 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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