Blackstripe Barb

Diagnosis: Last simple dorsal-fin ray smooth on hind margin; scale formula 3.5/23-28/3.5; 2.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 12 scales around caudal peduncle; 8 branched dorsal fin rays; two unequal pairs of barbels; anterior barbel not reaching to anterior margin of eye; posterior barbel not extending beyond centre of eye/reaching to, or extending beyond, posterior half of eye; lateral line complete and straight or slightly depressed below dorsal fin; maximum reported size 70 mm SL; tip of dorsal fin black and dark longitudinal band along middle of sides (Ref. 2940, 81282). Description: Medium-sized species (Ref. 81282). Dorsal profile slightly convex; snout pointed, mouth subterminal; lines of cephalic pores well visible on head (Ref. 81282). Dorsal fin with 3 unbranched and 8 branched rays; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5 branched rays; pectoral fin with 14-16 rays; pelvic fin with 1 unbranched and 7 branched rays (Ref. 2940, 81282).Colouration: Live specimens are greenish-brown on back, silvery on sides and pale on belly; black longitudinal band runs along middle of sides and continues forward unto snout; dorsal and caudal fins orange, other fins yellow-orange; black spot at tip of dorsal fin, variable in size with populations, extending over upper third of fin or more reduced (Ref. 2940, 81282). In preserved specimens, lateral-line scales on back, lined with melanophores (Ref. 2940, 81282).

Potamodromous. Migrating within streams, migratory in rivers, e.g. Saliminus, Moxostoma, Labeo. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 8

Feeds on detritus, plants, insects and invertebrates (Ref. 12525).

Affinities: B. deserti (dorsal spot not covering tip of fin) (Ref. 2940).

fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial

The blackstripe barb (Enteromius macrops) is a species of cyprinid fish in the genus Enteromius which is widely distributed in West Africa where it is harvested for human consumption.