Iberian barbel

The Iberian barbel, a ray-finned fish belonging to the Cyprinidae family, is a fascinating species commonly found in the rivers and reservoirs of Portugal and Spain. Officially classified under the genus Luciobarbus by the IUCN, it is closely related to other barbel species and may even be considered a subgenus of Barbus.

This fish can grow quite large, often exceeding 50 cm in length. In the middle Tagus River, natural hybrids between the Iberian barbel and its close relative, L. bocagei, are not uncommon. These hybrids exhibit traits from both parent species, making them difficult to distinguish.

Native to the Iberian Peninsula, the Iberian barbel thrives in slow-moving waters abundant with aquatic vegetation. Unfortunately, its population has declined by about one-third since the 1990s. The main causes are unsustainable water use for agriculture, pollution, and competition from non-native species. The impact of hybridization with L. bocagei remains somewhat unclear. Human activities such as dam construction have altered river currents and habitats, potentially influencing how these two species interact and reproduce. Interestingly, these changes might actually benefit the Iberian barbel more than L. bocagei, potentially leading to an increase in its population.

The most significant threat to the Iberian barbel is excessive water extraction for agriculture. It is currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN and protected under various conservation directives and agreements, highlighting the critical need for its preservation.