The Mediterranean barbel (Barbus meridionalis and related Barbus species) is a freshwater fish native to rivers and streams across the Mediterranean basin, known for its elongated body and distinctive barbels around the mouth. Valued both as a sport fish and for local consumption, Mediterranean barbel are primarily harvested in countries with extensive river systems draining into the Mediterranean Sea. Spain, Italy, France, and Turkey are among the top Mediterranean barbel fishing countries, where traditional angling and small-scale commercial fisheries contribute to rural economies. While not a major export species, the barbel holds cultural significance in local cuisines and recreational fishing communities. Conservation measures are increasingly important, as habitat degradation and over-extraction threaten some barbel populations in these regions.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.