| Family: |
Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Smiliogastrinae |
| Max. size: |
7 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater, potamodromous |
| Distribution: |
Africa: widespread over northern parts of southern Africa including the Cunene, Okavango, Upper Zambezi, Kafue, Zambian Congo and Limpopo systems; isolated populations occur in Malawi and on the eastern shores of Lake St. Lucia in Natal (Ref. 52193). May be confused with the bowstriped barb, Barbus viviparus (Ref. 7248) but differs in pigmentation details (Ref. 52193). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-6. Diagnosis: With 2 distinct black lateral stripes along the body; lateral stripe begins clearly on the snout and runs through the eye and gill cover and down the body (Ref. 13337). The lateral line tubules are closely outlined in black, giving the line a tubular appearance (Ref. 13337). Anterior barbel about eye diameter and posterior barbel a little longer (Ref. 13337).
Description: Lateral line scales 27-30; 12 circumpeduncular scales (Ref. 13337, 122753).
Colouration: With 2 distinct black lateral stripes along the body (Ref. 13337). |
| Biology: |
Occurs in floodplains, pools and shallow streams with vegetation. Feeds on detritus, algae, seeds, small invertebrates (Ref. 7248) and aquatic insect larvae (Ref. 13337). Migrates upriver to breed after heavy rains (Ref. 13337). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 May 2018 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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