Mystacoleucus Lepturus

Datasheet

General Description

Mystacoleucus Lepturus, a species within the Cyprinidae family, is easily distinguished by its slender body, single pair of barbels, black distal margin on the dorsal fin, and dark, crescent-shaped markings on numerous body scales. It possesses 32-33 + 2 lateral line scales, 14 circumpeduncular scale rows, and a predorsal spine, although this spine can be hard to see without close inspection. The species is typically 9.5cm in length with a body depth of 3.4-3.8 times in standard length, and can be further identified by 6-10 branched anal-fin rays and 24-39 lateral line scales.

Aquarium Setup

To properly accommodate Mystacoleucus Lepturus in an aquarium setting, it is essential to replicate its natural habitat. A setup with clear, well-oxygenated, running water and a substrate of sand or gravel is ideal. Including rocks and boulders to mimic headwater streams where the species is often found will help create a suitable environment for this riverine fish. For more detailed aquarium setup requirements, refer to the table provided.

Behaviour

Mystacoleucus Lepturus is known to be an active fish, typically displaying shoaling behavior in the wild. When placed in a group setting in an aquarium, they tend to exhibit similar social behaviors, sticking together and swimming in unison. Care should be taken when handling the fish due to the presence of the predorsal spine that can get caught in nets.

Feeding and Diet

In their natural habitat, Mystacoleucus Lepturus is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of food sources including plant matter, algae, small invertebrates, and zooplankton. In an aquarium, they can be fed a diet consisting of high-quality flake food, pellets, frozen, and live foods to ensure their nutritional needs are met.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Details about the reproduction and dimorphism of Mystacoleucus Lepturus are limited. However, like many Cyprinid species, they are likely to engage in egg-scattering reproduction where fertilization takes place externally. Dimorphism, if present, would likely involve subtle differences in coloration or fin size between males and females.

Habitat and Distribution

Mystacoleucus Lepturus is native to the upper Mekong River basin in southern China, Laos, and Thailand. It is crucial to note that records from Vietnam and Hainan Island that refer to this species are incorrect and actually pertain to other species. The species is predominantly found in clear, well-oxygenated, running waters with sandy or gravelly substrates, often in rocky headwater streams. The type locality for this species is a tributary of Lancang Jiang in China's Yunnan Province.