The Straightfin Barb (Enteromius paludinosus) is a freshwater fish in the Cyprinidae family of cyprinid fish.
The Straightfin Barb is silver with a golden lateral line or bar across the length of its body. Its body is elongated and cyclindrical. It has a straight dorsal (back) fin. Its fins are translucent (clear).
It grows to about 15 centimetres (6 inches).
It is found in freshwater rivers, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving streams in African countries, such as Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda. It prefers to swim on the bottom or the surface of the water.
The Straightfin Barb feeds on small organisms, such algae and detritus (dead skin), as well as insects and snails.
Location of photographs: Snake Park, Nairobi, Kenya
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM