Schistura megalodon Endruweit, 2014

Family:  Nemacheilidae (Brook loaches)
Max. size:  4.17 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Asia: Erganyahe River, Irrawaddy basin in China.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Schistura megalodonis distinguished by having a large processus dentiformes in the upper jaw, a short pre-anus length of 65.4%?66.3% of SL, long paired fins (pectoral: 20.8%?24.2% of SL; pelvic: 17.9%?20.6% of SL), a wide body of 9.7%?11.3% of SL at anal-fin origin, an incomplete lateral line, the absence of an orbital lobe, and a broad and distinct basicaudal bar with forward extensions (Ref. 103219). Description: Dorsal-fin rays iii, 7; anal-fin rays iii, 5; pectoral-fin rays i, 9; pelvic-fin rays i, 6?7; vertebral column with 4+(13?14) abdominal and 19 caudal vertebrae; dorsal fin insertion in larger specimens (4.07?4.17 cm SL) slightly behind pelvic fin origin, in smaller specimens (3.3?3.41 cm SL) slightly in front of pelvic fin origin (Ref. 103219).
Biology:  Inhabits river with clear and moderate to fast running water over boulders, rocks, pebbles, sand, and twigs. Occurs together with Schizothorax malacanthus, Devario kakhienensis, Exostoma labiatum, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, and Channa gachua.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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