Edit Opsarius pulchellus
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Name
Scientific name
Opsarius pulchellus
Described by
Authority Smith, Year 1931, Bracketed
Family
Cyprinidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 9 credited
Summary
Traded as 'butterfly barb' or 'mackerel barb', Opsarius pulchellus is a cyprinid from the Chao Phraya and mid-to-lower Mekong basins. It oc…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
110mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 18–26°C, pH 6–7.5
Hardness
2–12dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Chao Phraya, Mekong, Nam Theun, Tonlé Sap, Xe Bang Fai
Writing
Etymology
Opsarius: apparently from an Ancient Greek word meaning 'small fish'. pulchellus: a diminutive of the Latin pulchellus, meaning 'beautiful'.
Distribution
Occurs throughout the Chao Phraya river system in central and western Thailand, and the mid-to-lower Mekong basins in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam wit…
Habitat
Typically inhabits submontane headwaters and similar well-oxygenated, low-to-medium gradient, moderate to fast-flowing minor rivers and streams with substrates…
Aquarium size
Requires a large aquarium with minimum surface area of 120 ∗ 45 cm or equivalent.
Maintenance
The aquarium should ideally be designed to resemble a flowing stream or river with a substrate of variably-sized rocks, sand, fine gravel, and some larger wate…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Opsarius spp. are predominantly surface-feeders preying on aquatic and terrestrial insects in nature, with some small fishes and benthic invertebrates probably…
Behaviour and compatibility
Unsuitable for the general community due to its environmental requirements, and likely to outcompete or intimidate slow-moving and less bold species at meal ti…
Sexual dimorphism
Mature males develop extended pectoral, dorsal, and anal fins and nuptial individuals possess visible breeding tubercules on the head and body, plus bright yel…
Reproduction
Unreported.
Notes
This species is traded for aquaria under various names including 'butterfly barb', 'mackerel barb', 'green-barred danio', or 'royal opsarius'. It can be told a…
References
References
9 on this profile