Barbel Fish
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A river fish belonging to the carp family, barbel is so named because of the fleshy filaments, or barbels, hanging from its mouth or from the corners of its jaw.
The species of barbel found in European rivers rarely exceeds 16 pounds. The barbel of the Nile, however, weighs as much as 70 pounds. Gastronomically, barbel is a poor fish. Its insipid-tasting flesh is coarse and woolly and it has too many bones to make pleasant eating.
The most edible barbel is found in the Loire in France. The larger ones are most suited to poaching, braising or baking. The smaller-sized fish, known in France as barbillons, are usually grilled or fried.
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