Yasuhikotakia morleti (Tirant, 1885)
Skunk botia
Yasuhikotakia morleti
photo by Ott, G.

Family:  Botiidae (Pointface loaches), subfamily: Botiinae
Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 8; dH range: 5 - 12
Distribution:  Asia: Mekong, Chao Phraya and Meklong basins, and peninsular Thailand.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal soft rays: 9-10; Vertebrae: 28-30. Has 7-9 branched dorsal-fin rays; a mid-dorsal stripe from head to tail, extending ventrally as vertical bar on caudal peduncle; erect ethmoid spine perpendicular to snout when viewed from above; large mental lobe; body golden brown, sometimes with a series of narrow bars in young individuals (Ref. 12693); a few vertical dark vermiculations on flank; few black dots on caudal fin (Ref. 43281).
Biology:  Occurs in medium to large-sized rivers (Ref. 12975). Inhabits standing and flowing waters. Found in crevices in rocks or excavates burrows under rocks or logs (Ref. 12693), usually in sandy habitats (Ref. 43281). Feeds on mollusks and benthic invertebrates. Oviparous (Ref. 205). Probably moves into temporarily flooded areas during high water levels. Young of the year return to rivers in November and December in the lower Mekong. Commonly seen in aquarium trade (Ref. 12693).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 February 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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