Iberian Small Head Barbel

Diagnosed from other species of Barbus and Luciobarbus in Iberian Peninsula by having the following characters: lateral line with 45-50 + 3 scales; last simple ray spinous, strong, serrated posteriorly along most of its length; posterior edge of dorsal strongly concave, upper part about perpendicular to dorsal profile when fin is stretched; head length 22-27% SL; lower lip thin, lacking median lobe or pad; and lower jaw tip exposed, not covered by lower lip (Ref. 59043).

Feeds on plants and invertebrates (Ref. 26100).

Inhabits middle course of large, deep rivers with slow current (Ref. 59043). Also occurs in water bodies on low-lying plains, with little current. Feeds on invertebrates and plants (Ref. 26100) and detritus (Ref. 59043). Threatened by habitat destruction, pollution and introduction of other species (Ref. 26100). Size reaches up to about 40 cm SL (Ref. 59043).

gamefish: yes