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Size
2.2 inches (5.7 cm) -
Diet
Small crustaceans and algae -
Range
Asia -
Habitat
Rapids and swift-moving streams with good plant cover
Physical Characteristics
- Black and yellow coloration with spots along the head and back. Spots run together along the sides to form long stripes.
- The body is dorsoventrally flattened, and the pectoral and pelvic fins are wide and round.
- This species grows to a maximum length of 2.2 inches (5.7 cm).
Diet / Feeding
- Feeds on benthic crustaceans and algae.
Range / Habitat
- Present in the Mekong River Basin, including China, Vietnam and Cambodia.
- Commonly found in rapids and swift-moving streams with good plant cover. Also found in deep pools and high-gradient rivers.
Reproduction & Growth
- Males develop small spike-like breeding tubercles on the face and pectoral fin rays.
- When a female becomes receptive to a displaying male, she allows him to push her off the rocky bottom into the water column, where the two fish clasp each other’s fins before eggs and sperm are released.
Conservation Status
- “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.
Additional Information
- The main threats are runoff from deforestation, habitat destruction due to dam building and overfishing.
- This is a primarily diurnal species, unlike many other species of loaches.
