Yasuhikotakia lecontei (Fowler, 1937)
Silver loach
Yasuhikotakia lecontei
photo by Janiczak, B.J.

Family:  Botiidae (Pointface loaches), subfamily: Botiinae
Max. size:  15 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 6.5; dH range: 8
Distribution:  Asia: Mekong basin (Ref. 27732) and Chao Phraya basin (Ref. 26336).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal soft rays: 8-10; Vertebrae: 33-36. Has 8 branched dorsal rays; in life, a brown to yellowish body; a large blackish blotch on the caudal peduncle; dusky yellow fins (Ref. 27732); lacks a mid-dorsal stripe at all ages, young may have many narrow black bars; erect ethmoid spine perpendicular to snout when viewed from above; large mental lobe (Ref. 12693).
Biology:  Apparently associated with fast waters and stony to rocky substrate (Ref. 27732). Found in medium to large-sized rivers (Ref. 12975). Occurs at the bottom of flowing rivers. Takes shelter in crevices and under bottom cover of rocks, tree limbs or other objects during the day and comes out to forage at dusk and night time. Feeds on mollusks and other benthic invertebrates. When young of the year return to the river in November and December, this species, along with B. helodes, B. morleti and B. modesta is often used as food for fish reared in cages. Commonly seen in the aquarium trade (Ref. 12693).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 February 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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