Barbel steed (Hemibarbus labeo) is a freshwater species recorded in Taiwan. It is found at depths of 5–20 m.
Scientific name: Hemibarbus labeo · Water: Freshwater
Size: up to 67 cm
The barbel steed is a cyprinid, a freshwater fish that swims near the bottom and migrates within rivers. Its range is the whole Amur basin and, eastward from there, northern Vietnam, Japan and the islands of Hainan and Taiwan; it is also recorded from the Mekong basin in Laos, apparently as an introduction. Maximum length is about 67 cm total length, commonly about 33 cm, and it can weigh about 3 kg and live about 15 years. It is omnivorous, feeding mainly on benthic invertebrates, and the females grow larger than the males. It is found from 5 to 20 m and is a temperate species. It is a commercial and game species. Trophic level is 3.5, fishing vulnerability moderate to high at 55 of 100, and resilience medium. IUCN lists it as least concern.
Back to home · Taiwan · Species library