Enteromius haasianus (David, 1936)
Sickle barb
Enteromius haasianus
photo by Mertens, P.

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Smiliogastrinae
Max. size:  3.2 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: Okavango, upper Zambezi, Kafue, lower Zambezi and Pungwe systems (Ref. 52193). Also in the Cuanza in Angola (Ref. 11970, 120641). In the middle Congo basin present in the upper Lulua (Kasai drainage), in the upper Congo basin in the upper Lualaba, Luapula, (Ref. 41590), Lake Bangweulu (Ref. 41590, 42135) and Bangweulu swamps (Ref. 42135).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 7-8. Description: No barbels present on the small terminal mouth; eye very large (Ref. 13337, 52193, 122753). Dorsal fin with 2 unbranched and 8-9 branched rays; anal fin with 2 unbranched and 5-6 branched rays; anal fin of the adult male elongated, sickle-shaped and can reach the tail (Ref. 13337, 52193). Scales small, 35-38 in lateral series; no lateral line (Ref. 52193).

Colouration: Translucent brown to rosy red (breeding males) with a thin line along midbody ending in a spot at base of caudal fin; a black triangle on base of dorsal fin, a black spot on base of anal fin (Ref. 52193).

Biology:  Inhabits swamps and floodplains in well-vegetated habitats (Ref. 7248, 52193).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 May 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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