Mekong flying barb
📖 Overview
Usually found in ditches, canals and ponds often in areas with extensive growth of submerged aquatic plants . Encountered mainly in stagnant water bodies including sluggish flowing canals as well as in medium to large rivers of the middle Mekong . Feeds on zooplankton and insects. Sometimes sold fresh and used to make prahoc .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal soft rays: 8. Two pairs of barbels ; rostral barbel extends well beyond eye; first pectoral ray sometimes reaching anal fin; narrow dark line from head to caudal-fin base (Re. 12693).: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mekong flying barb is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Mekong flying barb is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Mekong flying barb is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical east Thailand and Cambodia, and Chao Phraya basin in Thailand (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
zooplankton and insects
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Mekong flying barb is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 427 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Mekong flying barb has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Esomus goddardi | Fowler | 1937 | Synonym |
| Nuria longimana | Lunel | 1881 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet — be the first to log one!
View all observations for Mekong flying barb ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.