Hypsibarbus malcolmi

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.

malcolmi: in honour of of Malcolm Smith (1875-1958), British Museum (Natural History), for his efforts to promote knowledge of Thai zoology, especially of fishes and reptiles.

Occurs throughout the Mekong river system in Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, the Chao Phraya and Maeklong drainages in central and western Thailand, and some smaller watersheds in Peninsular Malaysia, but has not yet been recorded from peninsular Thailand.

Type locality is 'Meping River at Raheng, central Thailand'.

In the Mekong this species is migratory on a seasonal basis; during the dry season it can be found in larger river channels, whereas in 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.

Suitable only for public aquaria or the very largest private set-ups.

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.

Wild fish are known to feed on organic detritus and aquatic macroinvertebrates, 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.

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.

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

Unreported.

H. malcolmi is distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: 12-17 (usually 14-15) rakers on first gill arch; usually 16 circumpeduncular scale rows; less than 30 lateral line scales; some branched lateral line canals, but branching not extensive, median portion of dorsal-fin dark.

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.