Beardless barb

The beardless barb is a species of freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae. It is widespread in Southeast Asia. It grows to total length.

Description

As its name suggests, the species does not have a barbel. There is a black blotch at the caudal base and rows of black spots along the scale rows. It grows to total length. A study from Borneo found that standard length was reached at the age of two years.

Habitat

Beardless barb inhabits a range of freshwater environments: rivers, lowland swamps, marshlands, lakes, and reservoirs. It is a migratory species that enters flooded areas during the high-water season.

Distribution

The species is found in the Mainland Southeast Asia, including the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, and in the Maritime Southeast Asia, including the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.

Utilization

Beardless barb is present in local food fisheries. It is also present in the ornamental fish trade.