Hypsibarbus lagleri RAINBOTH, 1996

Etymology

Hypsibarbus: from the Ancient Greek ὕψι (húpsi), and the generic name Barbus, presumably in allusion to the deep body shape in members of this genus.

lagleri: named in honour of Karl F. Lagler (1912-1985), who directed and organized the Mekong Basinwide Fishery Studies, during which many of the specimens used in Rainboth’s study of the genus were collected.

Classification

Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae

Distribution

Endemic to the middle Mekong basin in Laos, eastern Thailand and Cambodia, including the Mun, Srepok, Sesan and Sekong tributary systems.

Type locality is ‘Huay Hin Taek near mouth into Mun River, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.’

Habitat

This species is migratory on a seasonal basis; during the dry season it can be found in larger river channels, whereas during wetter months it moves into smaller tributaries and flooded forests. Apparently displays a preference for rocky habitats with flowing water, and is not known to adapt to reservoirs or other artificial impoundments.

Maximum Standard Length

300 – 350 mm.

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

An aquarium with base dimensions of 240 ∗ 60 cm or equivalent should be the smallest considered.

Maintenance

Choice of décor is not as critical as water quality and the amount of open swimming-space provided.

However should you possess the means to provide and decorate a sufficiently-sized aquarium for long term care this species would look superb in a set-up designed to resemble a flowing river with a substrate of variably-sized rocks and gravel, some large water-worn boulders and driftwood branches.

Like many other species that hail from running waters it is likely to be intolerant of organic wastes and require spotless water with a high level of dissolved oxygen in order to thrive.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 20 – 26 °C

pH: 6.0 – 8.0

Hardness: 36 – 268 ppm

Diet

Wild fish are known to feed on zooplankton, worms, and algae, suggesting a somewhat opportunistic foraging behaviour.

In the aquarium Hypsibarbus spp. are unproblematic feeders but should be offered a varied diet comprising live and frozen foods such as chironomid larvae (bloodworm), Daphnia, and Artemia along with good quality dried flakes, granules and plenty of vegetable matter.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

Not aggressive but may eat small fishes and molest slow-moving or timid fishes with its constant activity and vigorous feeding behaviour.

Hypsibarbus are schooling species that should ideally be maintained in groups of half a dozen or more individuals.

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexually mature females are likely to be deeper-bodied and may grow larger than males.

Reproduction

Unreported.

NotesTop ↑

H. lagleri is distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: 5-5½ scale rows between lateral line and dorsal-fin origin; 6 upper transverse scales; 12-16 rakers on first gill arch; body markedly compressed; 14 circumpeduncular scale rows; 26-28 lateral line scales.

Hypsibarbus species are valued food fishes throughout their range although most species are thought to be in decline due to human activity, particularly damming of rivers and agriculture.

The genus is diagnosed as follows: two pairs of barbels; strongly serrated dorsal-fin spine; 8 branched pelvic-fin rays; skin of lower lip discontinuous with lower jaw, separated by a shallow groove; anal-fin base approximately 60% HL; scales with black margins resulting in reticulated appearance; fins often with extended falcate tips; anal and pelvic fins often brightly-coloured.

References

1. Rainboth, W. J., 1996 - University of California Publications in Zoology v. 129: i-xiii + 1-199
   The taxonomy, systematics, and zoogeography of Hypsibarbus, a new genus of large barbs (Pisces, Cyprinidae) from the rivers of southeastern Asia.
2. Kottelat, M., 2001 - WHT Publications, Colombo: 1-198
   Fishes of Laos.
3. Kottelat, M., 2013 - Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement 27: 1-663
   The fishes of the inland waters of southeast Asia: a catalogue and core bibiography of the fishes known to occur in freshwaters, mangroves and estuaries.
4. Rainboth, W. J., 1996 - Rome, FAO: 1-265
   FAO species identification field guide for fishery purposes.