Black sharkminnow
📖 Overview
Occurs in rivers, streams, canals and inundated floodplains. Sometimes seen in impoundments, but not in great numbers. Like other planktivorous and detritivorous carps, it begins spawning after the first thunderstorms of the coming rainy season. It spawns upstream from shallow sandbars that line long river bends. The eggs settle out in the shallow water and hatch just as water levels begin to rise following the initiation of seasonal rains. The fry immediately move into inundated grasses along the bank and continue to follow the leading edge of the advancing water as floodwaters spread over the land. Adults also migrate out into seasonally flooded areas where they feed on algae, periphyton, phytoplankton and detritus. They return to rivers from October to December . In Laos and Thailand, it migrates upstream at the onset of rainy season. In Cambodia, it undertakes upstream migration between October and March and downstream migration from March to August . A desirable food fish which is marketed fresh, dried and salted .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Has black body and fins; a large dorsal fin, with anterior branched dorsal rays longer than head length; 15-18 branched dorsal rays; both lips fringed; juveniles all black; large adults grey with one iridescent spot on each scale .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Black sharkminnow is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Black sharkminnow is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Black sharkminnow is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 15; potamodromous . Tropical; 24°C - 27°C
🌿 Ecology
algae, periphyton, phytoplankton and detritus
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Black sharkminnow 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) | 351 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Black sharkminnow 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrysophekadion polyporos | Bleeker | 1854 | Synonym |
| Labeo crysophekadon | Bleeker | 1849 | Synonym |
| Morulius chrysophekadian | Bleeker | 1849 | Synonym |
| Morulius chrysophekadion | Bleeker | 1849 | Synonym |
| Morulius pectoralis | Sauvage | 1878 | Synonym |
| Rohita chrysophekadion | Bleeker | 1849 | Synonym |
| Rohita cyanomelas | Bleeker | 1852 | Synonym |
| Rohita koilogeneion | Bleeker | 1857 | Synonym |
| Rohita pectoralis | Sauvage | 1878 | Synonym |
| Rohita polyporos | Bleeker | 1854 | Synonym |
| Rohita sima | Sauvage | 1878 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 9 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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