Barbels (Barbus) is a genus with over 300 varieties of fish found in numerous rivers throughout the world. Barbels are part of the family of carps. The most common thing that all species have in the same is their whiskers (barbels). The largest species of the Barbus Genus are used to eat, while smaller and less colorful species are used to be pets kept in tanks. Yes, you can eat barbel fish. There are also barbel fish recipes out there.

Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro... Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Around

The barbel roe poison is extremely poisonous and can cause diarrhea and vomiting in certain people. However, the fish itself can be consumed.

It is the African Sharptooth Catfish, more popularly referred to as “Barbel,” The Barbel or Sharp Tooth Catfish are widely found throughout Zimbabwe as well as Southern Africa. The name “barbel” comes from barbel, which is the Latin term “Barba,” meaning beard. Barbel’s Latin title refers to “claims gariepinus”. The species of catfish is part of the family of Clariidae. The catfish genus breathes air. In Zimbabwe, they can be found at Lake Kariba. They can grow to 40kg and weigh an average of 8kg.

They are among the most frequently caught species of Lake Kariba. When you are attempting to catch the fish, a wide array of techniques and bait are available. This can include bait fishing using alive and dead baits, lure fishing or fly fishing. There are various baits to choose from, including carp, tilapia, and paper mouth. 

Other baits include Frogs (platanna), bread and worms, mealies (corn pips), and day-old chickens, as well as more meaty baits, such as braai meat or raw livers from chickens. They are sensitive to noise and feeding throughout the morning and later in the evening/late afternoon. The Bottlenose fish also feed during the evening hours. 

They are a fantastic fish to capture as it is a formidable fighter and is extremely powerful when it is in and out in the sea. It can pull your line towards the bottom and make strong runs in between. Be cautious as it can get wrapped around any obstructions in the water, such as trees, rocks, and even water plants. It will also wrap its way around the line to tear it away. A strong tackle is essential to get this catfish up from the bottom and control the runs.