Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Neopterygii
- Family
- Cyprinidae
- Genus
- Balantiocheilos
- Species
- melanopterus
Habitat
This species inhabits fast-flowing rivers, streams, and occasionally lakes in tropical Southeast Asia, preferring clear waters with rocky or sandy substrates. They are commonly found in the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, as well as in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, avoiding stagnant or polluted environments.
Diet
They feed on small phytoplankton, small crustaceans, insects, and their larvae.
Behavior
Tricolor sharkminnows are schooling fish that form groups for protection and feeding, making them highly social and active during the day. They exhibit agile, fast swimming behaviors in mid-water levels and can become territorial during spawning periods, often darting away from threats quickly.
Conservation Status
Listed as Endangered by IUCN.