Barb

Filamentous outline close to the mouth and used to locate food.

The term "barbillon" is used in the field of aquarophilia to designate part of the anatomy of fish belonging to the cichlid family. Cichlids are a very diverse family of fish, which includes more than 2000 different species distributed in the fresh waters of all continents, with the exception of Antarctica. Cichlids are particularly popular in aquarophilia because of their great diversity of shapes, sizes and colors, as well as their often spectacular behavior.

The barbones are organs located on the underside of the head of the cichlids, on each side of the mouth. They are formed by many small thorns covered with epidermal fabric and are linked to muscles and nerves. The barbels are used by fish to capture and manipulate their food, but they also play an important role in the communication and expression of the emotional state of fish.

In some cichlids, barbels are very developed and can be very visible, while in others, they are almost imperceptible. In some species, barbones can be used to defend the territory or to express social dominance, especially in males. In other species, barbones are used to attract sexual partners or to feed young fish.

It is important to take care of the barbes of the cichlid fish because they are very sensitive and can be damaged easily. If you notice that your fish barbes are damaged or infected, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian specializing in aquarophilia to get advice on the best way to deal with the problem. In general, it is recommended to feed the cichlid fish with a quality diet and to maintain a good level of water quality to prevent barbillons problems.