Tiger botia
📖 Overview
Usually found in large rivers with a muddy substrate and also with bottom cover of rocks, logs, or even brush piles. Nocturnal or crepuscular fish. Feeds on mollusks, benthic insect larvae and worms. Moves into flooded areas during the rainy season and returns to rivers during November and December. Sometimes marketed fresh. Made into prahoc along the Tonlé Sap, Cambodia
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Has about 10-12 dark vertical bars on the side; a series of small, dark, vertical marks on the lower anterior part of the body above the level of the pectoral fin; a black margin and 2-3 longitudinal rows of black spots on the dorsal fin; several vertical bars or rows of spots on the caudal fin ; 12-14 branched dorsal-fin rays; erect ethmoid spine never perpendicular to snout when viewed from above; small mental lobe, lower lip without papillae .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Tiger botia is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Tiger botia is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Tiger botia is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5; dH range: ? - 5; potamodromous . Tropical; 24°C - 30°C
🌿 Ecology
mollusks, benthic insect larvae and worms
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Tiger botia 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
Detailed nutritional data for Tiger botia is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Tiger botia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botia helodes | Sauvage | 1876 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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