Hampala dispar Smith, 1934
photo by Freyhof, J.

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Smiliogastrinae
Max. size:  35 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater, potamodromous
Distribution:  Asia: endemic to the Mekong basin.
Diagnosis:  Has a round midlateral blotch under the dorsal-fin origin in adults and a plain grey caudal fin (Ref. 27732); juveniles lack black teardrop-shaped marking on cheek; barbel always shorter than eye width (Ref. 12693).
Biology:  Occurs in slowly moving or standing water habitats (Ref. 12693). Encountered also in rapid-running mountain streams of the middle Mekong (Ref. 12975). Common in impoundments, with small individuals frequenting areas of dense vegetation. Feeds mainly on prawns, crabs, and shrimps, along with some insect larvae and some fish as well. Breeds at the start of the rainy season and the young are found in seasonally flooded habitats in June. Marketed fresh (Ref. 12693).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 February 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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