Barred minnow (Opsaridium zambezense)

Scientific name: Opsaridium zambezense Peters, 1852

The Barred minnow (Opsaridium zambezense) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–26°C (75–79°F).

Barred minnow care at a glance

Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11 - 13. With striking vertical bars, lateral line curving down towards the ventral surface of the body; dorsal fin rounded; barbel absent.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Opsaridium zambezense
Family: Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Order: Cypriniformes (Carps)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 15.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.5 - 7.0; dH range: 8 - 12 benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Upper Kasa?, Zambezi, Okavango, Pungwe, Limpopo, and Buzi River systems southwards to the Pongolo River. Absent in Kafue and Cunene Rivers; present in the southern tributaries of the Congo system.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026