Two images of the same fish, estimated as 15
cm in length, in a large stream at Gunung Belumut, Johor, Peninsular
Malaysia. |
Waandersii's Hard-lipped
Barb inhabits clear, freshwater, tropical streams. It is an attractive
species with a thick black stripe along the entire length of each flank, and
reddish fins - the tail fin in particular can be deep red in colour.
It is benthopelagic, meaning it is free-swimming but tends to remain close
to the substrate. It prefers fast-flowing streams and rivers, with gravelly
or stony substrate. During periods of high water it is known to explore into
adjacent flooded areas. It feeds mainly on plant matter and other organic
detritus.
In larger river systems the species is migratory, returning seasonally to
its preferred spawning grounds.
The species ranges from Thailand and parts of Indochina (particularly the
Mekong River) to Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo. It is absent from
Singapore.
Family : CYPRINIDAE
Species : Osteochilus waandersii
Maximum Length : 21 cm
References : |
