Puntioplites proctozystron (Bleeker, 1865)
Puntioplites proctozystron
photo by FAO

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Cyprininae
Max. size:  44 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater, potamodromous
Distribution:  Asia: Maeklong, Chao Phraya and Mekong basins and Malay Peninsula.
Diagnosis:  Body color brownish with reticulated dark scale edges; 17-22 dorsal spine serrations; serrated anal spine; very dark median fins, never orange (Ref. 12693). Last simple dorsal ray not reaching caudal fin in adults; dark grey anal, caudal and dorsal fins (Ref. 43281). Origin of pelvic fin opposite to origin of dorsal fin; lateral line decurved and extending to middle of caudal peduncle (Ref. 45563).
Biology:  Inhabits large, slow flowing rivers (Ref. 43281). Commonly found in standing and slowly moving water of streams, canal, ditches and reservoirs. Moves into flooded forests and marshes during high water periods. Usually occurs around submerged aquatic or inundated terrestrial vegetation where it consumes some algae but mostly insects and zooplankton. Larger fish are marketed fresh while smaller ones are used to make prahoc along the TonlĂ© Sap, Cambodia (Ref. 12693). Reaches more than 30 cm in length (Ref. 4792).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 20 February 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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