Family : Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Order : Cypriniformes  (carps)
Class : Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Fishbase Name : Silver sharkminnow
Fish Name : Osteochilus hasseltii
Max size : 32.0 cm SL (male/unsexed; Ref. 7050)
Environment : benthopelagic; potamodromous; pH range: 6.5 - 7; dH range: 5 - 8 ; depth range - 5 m
Climate : tropical; 22 - 25°C; 20°N - 3°N
Global Importance : fisheries: highly commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (K=0.32-1.15; Fec=30,000-300,000)Distribution : Asia: Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and Borneo (Ref. 27732). Reported from Salween and Maeklong basins (Ref. 26336).
Diagnosis : Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-19; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Distinguished from the other species of the genus in having 12-18 branched dorsal rays; 6-9 rows of spots along scale rows (not always distinct), and a large round blotch on the caudal peduncle (Ref. 27732). No black midlateral stripe; sometimes with a spot above a pectoral fin (Ref. 12693).
Biology : Occurs in all type of habitats, but usually associated with large streams with slow current and muddy to sandy substrate (Ref. 27732). Migrates from river to flooded areas during the onset of the flood season and returns to river habitats at the end of that period (Ref. 37770). Spends the flood season in seasonally inundated areas. Juveniles are usually seen first in August, they move back to permanent water as flooded lands dry up. Back in the rivers they are attached to brush piles, tree roots and other solid objects (Ref. 12693). Most abundant fish in Nam Ngum reservoir where it is captured with large dip nets set on rafts. Feeds on roots of plants (Hydrilla verticillata), unicellular algae and some crustaceans. Also feeds on periphyton and phytoplankton (Ref. 12693). Good flesh but bony and used for lap pa or grilled (Ref. 6459). Marketed fresh or used to make prahoc (Ref. 12693)
Threatened : Dangerous:  
Dangerous : harmless
Coordinator :
Main Ref : Kottelat, M., A.J. Whitten, S.N. Kartikasari and S. Wirjoatmodjo. 1993. (Ref. 7050)

India country information
Common Names : [ No common name ]
Status : native
Salinity : freshwater
Uses : no uses