Gyrinocheilus pennocki (Fowler, 1937)
Spotted algae eater
Gyrinocheilus pennocki
photo by Baird, I.G.

Family:  Gyrinocheilidae (Algae eaters)
Max. size:  28 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater, potamodromous
Distribution:  Asia: Mekong basin.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Vertebrae: 41-43. Large tubercles on sides of head in larger specimens; dark spot just behind spiracle; all fins strongly spotted; 10 branched dorsal-fin rays (Ref. 12693).
Biology:  Found on solid surfaces in flowing waters (Ref. 12693). Occurs in riffle and rapids during the dry season (Ref. 37769). Feeds on aquatic chlorophytes (Ref. 37769). Large adults are often seen in the markets of the upland Mekong (Ref. 12693).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 February 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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