RiverFish

Barbel · Barbus barbus

Barbel in the River Desborough Island

Largest measured barbel: 5.8 cm

The largest barbel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Desborough Island was 5.8 cm, recorded at Desborough Island Downstream Fry on 20 August 2009.

Across 26 measured barbel, the median measured length was 3.5 cm.

RiverFish uses Environment Agency survey measurements rather than rod-and-line angling records. These figures show fish measured during EA surveys of the River Desborough Island.

See barbel records across England →

Most recent observation3 September 2025Desborough Island Downstream Fry · 4 fish
Largest measured barbel
5.8 cm
Median length
3.5 cm
Fish measured
26
Survey locations
2

Individual EA measurements

Largest measured barbel

The largest individual measurements in this river and species dataset. Equal measurements are retained as separate surveyed fish.

LengthSurvey dateSurvey locationSurvey ID
5.8 cm20 Aug 2009Desborough Island Downstream Fry120814
5.4 cm30 Aug 2023Desborough Island Upstream Fry164290
5.3 cm26 Aug 2016Desborough Island Downstream Fry149240
5.2 cm3 Sept 2025Desborough Island Downstream Fry178515
4.8 cm20 Aug 2009Desborough Island Downstream Fry120814
4.6 cm20 Aug 2024Desborough Island Downstream Fry166651
4.5 cm20 Aug 2024Desborough Island Downstream Fry166651
4.2 cm20 Aug 2024Desborough Island Upstream Fry166650
4.1 cm20 Aug 2024Desborough Island Downstream Fry166651
4 cm26 Aug 2016Desborough Island Downstream Fry149240

Lengths are direct survey measurements. RiverFish does not estimate fish weights from length.

Explore the river

Where barbel were found

Each point marks a survey location with at least one barbel record.

Choose a point on the map to see what was recorded there.

Map points are approximate and don’t show fishing access. Check local permissions before visiting.

Place surveyedFirst recordedLast recordedVisits finding barbel
Desborough Island Downstream Fry21 Aug 20083 Sept 20256
Desborough Island Upstream Fry20 Aug 201420 Aug 20243

Choose a point or table row to see the location. More survey visits can mean more records, but not necessarily more fish.

2008–2025

Survey records by year

Each bar shows how many survey visits recorded barbel that year.

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 26 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
1.8 cm
Lower quarter
2.7 cm
Median
3.6 cm
Upper quarter
4.4 cm
Largest
5.8 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the River Desborough Island

Compare other species with enough survey and measurement data for a detailed page.

Roach Perch Dace Chub Bleak Ruffe

Before you fish

Good to know

These are past survey records, so the fish present today may be different. Map points are approximate—check local access, permissions and fishing rules before visiting.

Learn how RiverFish uses the data →