Homalopteroides smithi (Hora, 1932)
Homalopteroides smithi
photo by Greco, F.M.

Family:  Balitoridae (River loaches)
Max. size:  9.8 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 3.9 g
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Asia: Mekong and Chao Phraya basins and Malay Peninsula (Ref. 27732). Reported Maeklong basin (Ref. 26336).
Diagnosis:  Has a more compact appearance; the pectoral fin reaching beyond the origin of the pelvic fins (Ref. 27732); pectoral spines IV-VI; 6 saddles on dorsum (Ref. 12693). Pectoral fin with 5-6 simple and 10-12 branched rays (Ref. 43281).
Biology:  Adults inhabit high gradient streams over fast bedrock, cobble runs and rapids while juveniles in slower stretches of gravel and exposed tree roots (Ref. 12693). Found in rapid-running mountain streams of the middle Mekong (Ref. 12975). Feed on aquatic insect larvae, particularly Odonatans (Ref. 12693).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 February 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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