Java Barb. (Barbonymus gonionotus). Max length 45cm. Max Weight 2.1 kg
Omnivorous
The Java Barb is a member of the Cyprinidae family of fishes and is widely distributed throughout Asia in the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Java.
The Java Barb occurs throughout the whole stretch on the Mekong, from the delta around the saline intrusion zone to Chiang Khong in Thailand.
The Java Barb has a strongly compressed body with an elevated back with its dorsal profile arched, often concave above the occiput. The head is small with a snout and very minute or rudimentary barbules, especially the upper ones, which sometimes disappear entirely. The fishs colour when fresh is silvery white, sometimes with a golden tint. The dorsal and caudal fins are gray to gray-yellow; the anal and pelvic fins light orange, their tips reddish; the pectoral fins pale to light yellow .
The Java Barb occurs at midwater to bottom depths in rivers, streams, floodplains, and occasionally in reservoirs. The Java Barb seems to prefer standing water habitats instead of flowing waters where it inhabits the flooded forest during high water.
The Java Barb feeds on plant matter (e.g. leaves, weeds, Ipomea reptans and Hydrilla) in addition to invertebrates.
The Java Barb is present in numerous fisheries and natural waters throughout Thailand.
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