Sawfin (Barbus serra)

Scientific name: Barbus serra Peters, 1864

The Sawfin (Barbus serra) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. Native range: Africa, Olifants River system, western Cape Province, South Africa.

Biology

Favors deep pools and runs of mainstreams, also impounded waters; young occur in smaller tributaries. Breeds in summer, congregating in deep pools below waterfalls and rapids. Feeds on insects and invertebrates as well as algae and detritus mainly off the bottom, leaving characteristic pockets in sand and gravel beds. Decline in population is due to the introduction of bass, increasing habitat destruction and the impendence of large dams.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Barbus serra
Family
Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Order
Cypriniformes (Carps)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
50.0
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
Africa: Olifants River system, western Cape Province, South Africa.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Endangered (EN) (B2ab(iii,v))
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Gamefish: yes
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

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

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