Barbus grypus

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Barbus grypus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Barbus
Species: B. grypus
Binomial name
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.

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