The horse barbel (Barbus tyberinus) is a species of ray-finned fish in the genus Barbus which is endemic to Italy. Distribution Endemic to Italy: Tyrrhenian Sea basin, between rivers at Genova and Sele drainage; Adriatic basin, from Essino to Ofanto drainages. Introduced in other drainages in Italy. Max length : 60.0 cm TL Max. published weight: 4.0 kg Max. reported age: 9 years Morphology Dorsal soft rays (total): 8. Diagnosed from its congeners in Apennine Peninsula by the possession of the following characters: lateral line with 47-62 scales; back plain, sides with conspicuous dark spots; paired fins with spots; peritoneum grey; last simple dorsal ray feebly spinous, finely serrated posteriorly in small individuals; ray weak and serrae tend to disappear in individuals over about 15-20 cm SL; lower lip with a median swollen pad; and scales with free posterior part rounded Biology Prefers fast running water, but also occurs in moderate flowing waters of warm rivers and lakes. Feeds mainly on aquatic plants and invertebrates. Spawns in shallow water, over sand or gravel bottom.
