Balitoropsis zollingeri (Bleeker, 1853)
Balitoropsis zollingeri
photo by Roberts, T.R.

Family:  Balitoridae (River loaches)
Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Asia: Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, Malay Peninsula and Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  With 4-5 simple pectoral rays ; belly in front of posterior extremity of pelvic fins is naked only between pectoral fin bases (Ref. 34782). Scales keeled; color very dark to black with indistinct blotches (Ref. 12693). Base of caudal and lower lobe black, upper lobe hyaline (Ref. 43281).
Biology:  Inhabits in high gradient streams over rocky substrates. Typically found on rocky bottoms in fast waters (Ref. 12693). Occurs in running waters of lower Mekong (Ref. 36667). Feeds on insect larvae. Not fished commercially, but has some potential for the aquarium trade (Ref. 12693).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 December 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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