Parachela siamensis (Günther, 1868)
photo by FAO

Family:  Xenocyprididae (East Asian minnows)
Max. size:  19 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Asia: Mekong and Chao Phraya basins (Ref. 27732); and Indonesia (Ref. 12693).
Diagnosis:  Musculature of the back extending forward to above the front margin of the eyes; dorsal-fin origin slightly in front of the anal-fin origin (Ref. 27732). Pectoral fin not extending beyond tip of pelvic fin; 25-32 branched anal-fin rays; dark outline on first few lateral line canals; 12 gill rakers on 1st arch (Ref. 12693).
Biology:  Occurs in lowland rivers including streams adjacent to the peat areas (Ref. 57235). Found at the surface in large rivers and lakes. At high water it moves into the flooded forest. Usually occurs together with P. oxygastroides and P. williaminae. Used to make prohac (Ref. 12693).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 26 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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