Balantiocheilos melanopterus (Bleeker, 1850)
Tricolor sharkminnow
Balantiocheilos melanopterus
photo by Jean-Francois Helias / Fishing Adventures Thailand

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Cyprininae
Max. size:  35 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 8; dH range: 5 - 12
Distribution:  Asia: Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. Becoming rare or extinct in many river basins.
Diagnosis:  Silver body with black margins on dorsal, caudal, anal and pelvic; lower lip with a posterior groove forming a pocket opening backwards (Ref. 43281).
Biology:  Found in midwater depths in large and medium-sized rivers and lakes. Feeds on phytoplankton, but mostly on small crustaceans, rotifers as well as insects and their larvae (Ref. 12693). Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size >150 cm (Ref. 51539).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 07 February 2019 (B2ab(i,ii,iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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