Systomus rubripinnis (Valenciennes, 1842)
Javaen barb
Systomus rubripinnis
photo by Jean-Francois Helias / Fishing Adventures Thailand

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Smiliogastrinae
Max. size:  25 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 6.5; dH range: 10
Distribution:  Asia: Chao Phraya, Mekong and Mae Khlong basins, Malay Peninsula and Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 4-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 5-5. With 4 barbels (Ref. 43281); anterior maxillary ("rostral") barbels present (Ref. 12693); last simple dorsal ray osseous and serrated posteriorly; conspicuous black blotch on caudal peduncle; small, vertically elongated, black spot below dorsal origin; narrow dark band from upper extremity of gill opening to pectoral base; caudal fin orange red with a conspicuous broad black marginal stripe on each lobe; usually longitudinal rows of black spots along scale rows (Ref. 43281).
Biology:  Occurs in rivers of all sizes, but mainly in smaller streams, canals and on floodplains. Occasionally found in impoundments, but usually stays in the flowing streams leading to the impoundment. Moves into seasonally inundated areas and breeds at the start of the rainy season. Young of the year appear in streams in July and August. Adults leave the floodplains when the water recedes in December or January (Ref. 12693). Captured from the wild for the ornamental fish trade in Thailand (Ref. 6459). Marketed fresh or made into prahoc along the Tonle Sap (Ref. 12693).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 01 February 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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