Lepidocephalichthys berdmorei (Blyth, 1860)
Burmese loach
Lepidocephalichthys berdmorei
photo by Ratmuangkhwang, S.

Family:  Cobitidae (Spined loaches)
Max. size:  8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Asia: India, Myanmar (Ref. 4832), Bangladesh (Ref. 1479), peninsular Thailand, Salween, Chao Phraya, Mekong and Meklong basins (Ref. 43281). In the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya and China (Ref. 38333).
Diagnosis:  Body depth equal from head to caudal base; pectoral rays 7-8 of male fused, forming a cylindrical ray-like structure much thicker than other rays; large black spot on the upper half of caudal base; body yellowish to brown with varying from finely speckled to coarsely spotted but always with a midlateral series of large, irregular blotches (Ref. 43281).
Biology:  Inhabits hill streams with moderate current and pebble to stone bottom (Ref. 43281). Found in clear, swift streams and lakes with sandy bottom (Ref. 41236).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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