Barbus

Barbus is a genus of ray-finned fish in the family Cyprinidae (carps and minnows). These fish are native to Africa and parts of Europe and Asia. They are generally small to medium-sized freshwater fish, characterized by the presence of barbels, which are sensory, whisker-like appendages located around their mouths. The barbels aid in locating food in murky or sandy substrates.

Barbus species exhibit a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and coloration patterns, depending on the specific species and their environment. They typically inhabit rivers, streams, and lakes. Their diets consist primarily of invertebrates, algae, and detritus.

Many species within the Barbus genus are popular in the aquarium trade due to their attractive coloration and relatively peaceful nature. However, proper identification is important as some Barbus species can grow to be quite large and are not suitable for smaller aquariums.

The taxonomic classification of Barbus has been subject to significant revision in recent years. Many species formerly classified within Barbus have been reassigned to other genera based on phylogenetic analyses and morphological characteristics. As such, the composition of the Barbus genus, as it is currently understood, may differ from older taxonomic classifications.