Overview
Barbel are a long, round-bodied fish that possess a long head and pointed snout. As the name implies, they have four barbells: two near the tip of the snout and a pair near the corner of the jaw. Coloration can be variable, but is typically brown or grey-green along the back and the pectoral, pelvic and anal fins are green with reddish bases.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Labriformes
- Family
- Cyprinidae
- Genus
- Barbus
- Species
- barbus
Habitat
Barbel are found throughout Europe. Some scientists acknowledge the existence of several subspecies in the Iberian and Italian peninsulas. They generally reside in the deeper, faster-flowing upper reaches of rivers with stone or gravel bottom. Although, its also been known to occor in slower waters and is successfully stocked in stillwaters .
Diet
Benthic invertebrates, Small Crustaceans, Insect Larvae, Mollusks, Mayfly
Behavior
More Information needed
Fishing
They are very popular with freshwater anglers in Europe.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern (Although, they are locally threatened due to water pollution and river regulation.) by IUCN.