Barbel Size

[John Hasler]

I’ve read that barbel are of spawning age at 4-5 years but what weight are they likely to be? These fish are to be stocked from a fish farm.

 

[Iain Tutt]

Interesting question. I would have imagined there is a difference between stocked and wild fish.

 

[Darren Roberts]

This is a screenshot from barbel ways and days, farmed fish, should give you an idea of size and weight.

 

[Dave Taylor]

John's OP got me thinking about the maturation age of barbel compared with other UK freshwater species. Some of the data states a female barbel may have to survive until 5- 8 years of age before spawning,... males 3-4 yrs. ( ref page 20)

http://www.oart.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Coarse-Fish-Advisory-Booklet.pdf

That's a big ask on some of our rivers!