Barbel (Barbus barbus)
The Barbel lives predominantly on the bed of fast flowing rivers feeding on various bottom dwelling creatures; larger fish also catch crayfish, molluscs and small fish.
A powerful fighter, the Barbel is built for speed. With it's streamline body and large, deeply forked caudal fin, it has the ability and agility to present itself as a truly formidable opponent for any angler.
The Barbel has a noticeably long, low, cylindrical head and body, olive green to dark greyish blue back, lighter sides and a white belly. The sides of adult fish have a golden lustre whilst the young fish have dark spots and are sometimes mottled. It's mouth has four barbules and it's eyes are situated high up on it's head. The front ray of the dorsal fin is hard and thick with a clearly toothed edged for which care needs to be taken to prevent it snagging...