Dictionary of Ichthyology  

barbel = a slender fleshy process located close to the mouth, usually possessing tactile and/or gustatory sense, and useful in identification, e.g. in Acipenseridae, Gadidae, Ictaluridae, Cyprinidae, Clariidae

Pogonias cromis, black drum (Sciaenidae), aquarium specimen. Photograph by Brian W. Coad.

©Canadian Museum of Nature
www.briancoad.com