| Family: |
Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Probarbinae |
| Max. size: |
150 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 70 kg |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater, potamodromous |
| Distribution: |
Asia: endemic to the Mekong. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-13; Anal soft rays: 8-8; Vertebrae: 40-41. Differs from the two other species of Probarbus in having slightly smaller (and more numerous) scales, scale row between dorsal fin origin and lateral line scale row 6; six instead of only five stripes on body above lateral line; lips greatly enlarged; barbels reduced in length, sometimes absent; and slightly more numerous vertebrae. Posterior margin of lower lip entirely free from side to side. |
| Biology: |
Occurs in large upland rivers. Feeds on benthic organisms and insect larvae (Ref. 58784). Undergoes upstream movement for spawning (Ref. 58784). Little is known about this species due to past confusion with P. jullieni. Apparently migrates together with P. jullieni and has been decimated by the intensive gillnet fishery directed at that species just above the Lee Pee Waterfalls in southern Laos (Ref. 10431). However, further investigation is needed to find out whether it shares the same spawning grounds and times (Ref. 10431). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 25 February 2011 (A2abcd) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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