Barbus grypus
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| Barbus grypus (Heckel, 1843) |
Barbus grypus is a species of barb called in English and Arabic by the common names shabut and variations shabboot or shabbout, and in local languages by several other common names. It is a large freshwater carp found in the Tigris-Euphrates Basin. It is a commercially fished species in this region. This species can grow to a length of nearly two meters and a weight of over 50 kg.
B. grypus has recently been in the news. Historical researchers claim that this species is a fish mentioned in the Talmud, noteworthy for the porklike flavor of some of its organs. It is a kosher meat that observant Jews may sample if they are curious about the flavor of pork, a forbidden food. However, it is expected to arouse some controversy in this respect.
The fish is also being considered for aquaculture. Many species of carp are farmed as a protein source already.
[edit] References
- Barbus grypus (TSN 688568). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 11 March 2006.
- "Barbus grypus". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. 10 2005 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2005.
