Order : Cypriniformes
Family : CYPRINIDAE
Species : Barbodes lateristriga
Maximum Length : 20 cm

This species is easily identified by the two thick vertical bars and typically a single, broken horizontal band. The intensity of this patterning can vary with different populations. In some locations, for example on Tioman Island, Malaysia, there are additional horizontal bars.

Inhabiting clear, forest streams this omnivorous species will venture into shallow water to feed on insects, worms and plant matter. Younger fish will shoal, but larger adults tend to be more solitary.

The species occurs in the Malay Peninsula (Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore) and parts of Borneo.

Fig 1 : Typical Spanner Barb patterning.  Photo taken at Gunung Pulai, Johor, Peninsular Malaysia.

Fig 2 : Pale-coloured Spanner Barb in a shallow forest stream, Singapore.

Fig 3 : A small shoal lurks amongst submerged leaf litter in a quiet pool, Singapore.

Fig 4 : Example from Ulu Chepor, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia.

Fig 5 : Example from Boripatra, Songkhla province, Thailand.


References :

Lim, K.P. and Ng, K.L. 1990. A Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.