Introduction
The Barbel, or Barbus barbus, is a freshwater fish that can be found throughout Europe, including beloved rivers such as the Seine and the Rhine. These fish are among the most popular and can be recognized by their vibrant green and yellow scales, which have earned them the nickname “golden carp”.
Though the Barbel is a European favorite, these species can still be found in the wild and are prized for their extraordinary flavor. The Barbel’s adaptation to colder temperatures allows them to thrive in waters where other species may struggle and its impressive size makes them difficult to catch. Here, we’ll explore the biology and behavior of the Barbel, shedding some light on why these freshwater creatures are so popular.
Biology
The Barbel grows quickly; at full maturity, it reaches up to 19 inches and weighs up to 17 pounds. Its yellow and green scales on its head, back, pectoral fins and even its tail are a stark contrast against the silhouette of the rocky riverbeds they construct their homes in. Females generally have dorsal fins that can reach a length of 11 inches, while males tend to have more compact fins.
Barbels use their sharp senses to detect potential prey, then they use their barbels, which protrude from their mouths, to feel out the area. These barbels help the Barbel find food – like other fish, snails, worms, beetles and crayfish – in the small crevices of the rocks that line their habitat.
Life Cycle
During the warmer months of the year, generally from April to July, Barbels make their way to the surface to breed. Male Barbels create a makeshift nest on the riverbed that they line with pebbles and stones, where they will attract female Barbels and then guard. The eggs which a female produces are attached to the pebbles, and the males will guard them until they hatch. In the colder months, the Barbel will swim deep into the rocks, where it will stay until the temperature rises.
Barbel lifespan is fairly long for a freshwater fish. If the water temperature is ideal, a Barbel can live up to 19 years, though some have been known to reach 25.
Habitat and Environment
Barbels thrive in slow-moving, clean water environments with plenty of long weed beds. The crevices and shallow waters in the rocks make for a great place for the Barbel to forage for food. Therefore, rivers or streams with a lot of rocks and overhangs will prove most beneficial for the species.
In the wild, Barbels will generally group together in schools of 30-50 individuals. They are a bottom-feeding species, so they tend to stay near the surface.
Conservation Status and Human Interactions
The Barbel is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. This is due to their abundance in many bodies of water throughout Europe. They are considered a significant species in fisheries and are mostly caught to be sold throughout Europe. However, they are also popular as a gamefish and can be quite challenging to catch. Anglers have to be prepared for a strong fight as the Barbel has been known to put up quite a struggle when brought to shore.
Though Barbels are not threatened, excessive fishing and pollution has had an effect on the population in some areas – especially in congested river systems. As such, local authorities have implemented some measures to help counteract the decline.
Conclusion
The Barbel is a robust freshwater fish that is relatively easy to catch and is especially valued in the culinary industry. Its yellow and green scales make it an attractive species, and its larger size is quite a challenge to anglers. Despite the effects of fishing and pollution, the Barbel is overall a thriving species due to its adaptation to colder temperatures, its long life span, and its preference for clean, still waters.