Barbel
D-Barbe; GB-Berbel; DK-Barbe; PL-Brzana; LT-Ūsorius; LV-Barbe; EST-Harilik pardkala; RU-Обыкновенный усач; FIN-Jokibarbi; S-Flodbarb
Characters
1) Two pairs of prominent barbels present at upper jaw.
2) Longest dorsal ray spinous and serrated along entire caudal edge.
●) Body slender and almost round in diameter.
●) Coloured golden-brownish to greyish; back darker, abdomen lighter; young individuals with unregular spot pattern.
Often 30 to 50 cm, max. 90 cm length.
Similar species
Gudgeon - only one pair of barbels; regular colour pattern along flank; characteristic stripe in front of eye; usually much smaller.
Biology
Inhabits deeper areas of big, clear and fast-flowing rivers in small groups . Demonstrates a distinct drive to migrate in order to find food and spawning grounds. For spawning they migrate upstream to lay their eggs in more shallow waters on gravel ground. The young fish migrate back downstream.Diet
They feed on small bottom-living invertebrates.Importance
Commercially important as food fish.Endangerment
Strong decline of stocks due to water pollution and accumulation of mud in spawning areas.Barbus barbus
