Trout barb facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Trout barb |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Raiamas
|
| Species: |
bola
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The trout barb, also known as the Indian trout, is a type of fish. Its scientific name is Raiamas bola. This fish belongs to the carp family, called Cyprinidae. You can find it in freshwaters near the Bay of Bengal.
Contents
What Does the Trout Barb Look Like?
The trout barb has a long, thin body. It is flat on its sides and has a pointed nose. Young trout barbs have small whiskers near their mouth, but these disappear when they grow up.
This fish has very tiny scales. It has about 85 to 95 scales along its side. Its tail is shaped like a fork. The top part of its body is greenish-black. A golden stripe runs along its side, separating the dark top from its silvery belly. Its fins are yellowish, and it has many greenish-blue spots on its body.
Trout barbs can grow up to 35 centimeters (about 14 inches) long. They can weigh up to 2.3 kilograms (about 5 pounds).
Where Do Trout Barbs Live?
You can find the trout barb in several parts of India. These include the states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Orissa.
This fish also lives in other countries. It is found in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar. In 1926, trout barbs were brought to two lakes near Pune in India. They successfully had babies there and made new populations.
Habitat and Life Cycle
Trout barbs live in rivers and streams. They can also be found in ditches and canals. In India, they prefer clear streams with rocky bottoms.
They reproduce during the early monsoon season, usually in June. They lay their eggs in areas that are heavily flooded. Trout barbs become old enough to have babies when they are about three years old. During the breeding season, the male fish become brighter in color. Their skin on their sides also gets rougher.
The trout barb has a wide mouth and a sleek body. These features help it to be an active hunter. It is a predator, meaning it hunts other smaller creatures for food.
Is the Trout Barb Endangered?
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) lists the trout barb as "Least Concern." This means it is not currently at high risk of disappearing. However, scientists believe its population is decreasing. This is mainly due to illegal and harmful fishing methods.
Fishing for Trout Barbs
People say the trout barb has tasty meat with a delicate flavor. It is also a popular fish for people who enjoy fly fishing. Fly fishing is a sport where anglers use a special type of lure called a "fly" to catch fish.
Images for kids
-
A drawing of a trout barb.
-
A trout barb swimming in water.
