SPECIES FACTFILE

Latin name: Barbus barbus British record: 21lb 1oz, Grahame King, Adam’s Mill fishery on the River Great Ouse, 2006 Lifespan: Max 25 years Habitat: Fast-flowing rivers. Also present in some stillwaters Natural food: Larvae, molluscs, crustacea, small fish Maturity: Males 3-4 years; females 5-8 years Spawning times: May to July in water of 14-20 degrees centigrade