Mekongina lancangensis Yang, Chen & Yang, 2008

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Labeoninae
Max. size:  5.81 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Asia: China.
Diagnosis:  Mekongina lancangensis can be distinguished from M. erythrospila by having one pair of rostral barbels (v. no barbels); two rows of tubercles irregularly scattered on the snout and cheeks, with two enlarged tubercles present at each side of the anterior of the snout (v. four rows of tubercles in M. erythrospila); 19–27 rostral marginal lappets (v. 18–21); 38–41 lateral line scales (v. 34–37); 18–20 circumpeduncular scales (v. 16); 5.5 or 6.5 scales in transverse series from dorsal-fin origin to lateral line (D-LL) scales (v. 7 or 7.5); shorter snout length (SN) (31.9–36.9% LH v. 38.6–57.8) and longer anal fin (tip of the depressed rays reaching the base of the caudal fin v. not reaching the base of the caudal fin) (Ref. 79744).
Biology:  This species was found syntopic with Bangana lippus (Fowler, 1936) during the early flood season, where both share similar body shape and size, as well as a black blotch on the base of the caudal fin. Mekongina lancangensis is readily distinguished from B. lippus in having a rostral cap split into 19-27 papillate lappets (vs. rostral cap smooth) and upper lip degenerated and is discontinuous from the lower lip (vs. upper lip developed, continuous with lower lip) (Ref. 79744).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 06 August 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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