Hampala barb
📖 Overview
Occurs mainly in clear rivers or streams with running water and sandy to muddy bottoms . Found in most water bodies, except small creeks, torrents, and shallow swamps . A migratory species . Enters flooded forest . Abundant in the Mekong and in the Nam Ngum Reservoir. Found in the basin-wide tributary of the lower Mekong . Largest individual believed to be in a pool below the Chendoroh Dam in Perah, Malaysia. A predatory fish: adults mainly piscivorous in Zoo Negara Lake, Malaysia, but in Saguling Reservoir, West Java, 74 % of the diet consists of aquatic insects. Breeds throughout the rainy season . Good fish though bony. May be made into `Lap pa'. Marketed fresh . Commonly seen in markets; economic important foodfish .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal soft rays: 8. Has a black bar between the dorsal and pelvic fins in adults; orange to red caudal fin with a black longitudinal, marginal stripe along each lobe; juveniles usually with an additional vertical bar on the caudal peduncle ; juveniles with black teardrop-shaped marking on cheek; barbel always longer than eye width . Eyes located in upper-side of head; with a vertical groove reaching behind mouth in isthmus; branchial membranes connected and free .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Hampala barb is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; potamodromous . Tropical; 22°C - 25°C
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Hampala 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 | 18.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 537 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Hampala barb has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Hampala Barb |
| 🌍CES | hampala velkošupinná |
| 🌍IND | Hampal |
| 🌍MSA | Sebarau |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Барбус Хампала · Гампала |
| 🌍THA | ปลากระสูบ · ปลากระสูบขีด · ปลากระสูบขีัด · ปลาขม · ปลาสิก |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Hampala barb.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 5 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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