Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Labriformes
- Family
- Cyprinidae
- Genus
- Hampala
- Species
- dispar
Habitat
Eye spot barbs primarily inhabit freshwater rivers, streams, and lakes in the Mekong River Basin and surrounding areas in Southeast Asia, preferring clear, flowing waters with rocky or sandy substrates. They are adaptable to both upland and lowland environments but thrive in areas with moderate current and vegetation for cover.
Diet
Eye spot barbs are omnivorous, feeding on insects, crustaceans, smaller fish, and plant matter found in their aquatic environment. They exhibit opportunistic feeding behavior, often foraging in schools during daylight hours near the water's surface or bottom.
Behavior
Eye spot barbs are schooling fish that form groups for protection and foraging, making them more active during the day in open waters. They can display territorial behavior around breeding sites and are known for quick, evasive swimming to avoid threats. These fish often migrate upstream during the rainy season for spawning.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.