Chitala blanci

(d’Aubenton, 1965)

Vernacular names
English : Royal featherback, Indochinese featherback
French : Poisson-couteau royal

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Osteoglossiformes
Family : Notopteridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to 120 cm in length although that’s quite a rare occurrence. Back less humped than with other Chitala species. Coloration silvery with oblique rows of black dots merging into lines towards the anal fin and the rear half of body. Conspicuous black spot at the base of pectoral fins.

Range and habitat
This species is endemic to the Mekong basin and nearby smaller rivers and lakes such as Lake Tonle Sap in Cambodia. It is found mostly in fast-flowing water areas over rocky substrates as well as in deep pools.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is often targeted by fisheries and for sports fishing. Its habitat has been considerably degraded and it could face additional threats with the development of dam projects around the Mekong river.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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