Barbel
Barbus barbus
Barbel are bottom-dwelling freshwater fish of clean, fast-flowing rivers with gravel or stony beds. They use their fleshy barbels to feel along the riverbed for insect larvae, crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and other small food items. Strong swimmers, they often hold position in currents and forage close to the substrate rather than chasing prey in open water. A notable feature is their set of four barbels around the mouth, which help them locate food in murky or turbulent conditions.
- Type
- Water
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
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- ?
- Barbel