Overview
Hypsibarbus: from the Ancient Greek ὕψι (húpsi), and the generic name Barbus, presumably in allusion to the deep body shape in members of this genus. Malcolmi: in honour of of Malcolm Smith (1875-1958), British Museum (Natural History), for his efforts to promote knowledge of Thai zoology, especially of fishes and reptiles.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Labriformes
- Family
- Cyprinidae
- Genus
- Hypsibarbus
- Species
- malcomi
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits large rivers and their tributaries in Southeast Asia, such as the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Maeklong basins, favoring fast-flowing waters with rocky or sandy substrates. It is commonly found in both mainstream rivers and larger streams, often in areas with moderate to high oxygen levels.
Diet
The Goldfin tinfoil barb feeds on insects, small crustaceans, and plant matter, often foraging in midwater or near the river bottom. It is omnivorous and typically active during daylight hours when it searches for food in schools.
Behavior
These fish are schooling species that form groups for protection and feeding, making them more active during the day in fast currents. They exhibit territorial behavior during spawning and can quickly evade threats by darting through the water.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.