Herts’ rivers are home to amazing wildlife that is largely hidden to us. David Johnson, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust’s living rivers offier, outlines the life of a special fish at the centre of a conservation project
The barbel is a species of freshwater fish, whose name derives from barba, the Latin root for beard. It’s easy to see why – the fish has two pairs of ‘barbels’ – large whisker-like appendages around the jaw. These are touch and taste sensitive and used for finding invertebrates in the gravel bed of rivers. The barbel is a large species, usually up to 3kg but known to reach weights of 8.5kg. They are characterised by a large, broad head and an underslung mouth with thick lips, and of course, its four whiskers.
Barbel are found in the lower reaches of medium and large gravel-bottomed rivers and require clean, fast-flowing waters to survive. Hertfordshire’s river Lea is the perfect habitat. To help them thrive in these conditions, barbel have developed adaptations including a streamlined torpedo shaped body and strong powerful muscles that help them swim against the flow.
Denne historien er fra April 2018-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.
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Denne historien er fra April 2018-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Explosive history
With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free
The greatest traveller
Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life
Return of the Queen of Romance
Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon
In bed with CELEBS
Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships
Roam with a view
We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction
A walk down Surreal Street
Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality
5 minutes with
Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week
