Hard Lipped Barb

Distinguished from the other species of the genus in having 12-18 branched dorsal rays; 6-9 rows of spots along scale rows (not always distinct), and a large round blotch on the caudal peduncle (Ref. 27732). No black midlateral stripe; sometimes with a spot above a pectoral fin (Ref. 12693).

Potamodromous. Migrating within streams, migratory in rivers, e.g. Saliminus, Moxostoma, Labeo. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 19; Analsoft rays: 8

Omnivorous (Ref. 123180). Feeds on plants, zoobenthos, zooplankton and detritus (Ref. 13497). Recorded as having been or being farmed in rice fields (Ref. 119549).

Adults occur in all type of habitats, but usually associated with large streams with slow current and muddy to sandy substrate (Ref. 27732). They migrate from river to flooded areas during the onset of the flood season and returns to river habitats at the end of that period (Ref. 37770). Juveniles are usually seen first in August, they move back to permanent water as flooded lands dry up. Back in the rivers they are attached to brush piles, tree roots and other solid objects (Ref. 12693). Adults feed on roots of plants (Hydrilla verticillata), unicellular algae and some crustaceans. Most abundant fish in Nam Ngum reservoir where it is captured with large dip nets set on rafts. Good flesh but bony and used for lap pa or grilled (Ref. 6459). Marketed fresh or used to make prahoc (Ref. 12693).

fisheries: highly commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: public aquariums