Luciosoma bleekeri

Luciosoma bleekeri is a species of cyprinid fish that is native to the Southeast Asian region. It is commonly found in the freshwater rivers and streams of countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Taxonomy

The Luciosoma bleekeri belongs to the Cyprinid family, which is the largest family of freshwater fish. It is a part of the Luciosoma genus, which consists of several species of fish native to Southeast Asia. The species was first described by Pieter Bleeker, a Dutch medical doctor and ichthyologist, and is named in his honor.

Description

The Luciosoma bleekeri is a small to medium-sized fish, typically measuring between 10 to 15 centimeters in length. It has a slender, elongated body with a silver-grey coloration. The fins are usually transparent or slightly tinted with yellow. The species is distinguished by its two pairs of barbels and a dorsal fin that is positioned closer to the tail than the head.

Habitat and Distribution

Luciosoma bleekeri is a freshwater species that inhabits rivers and streams. It prefers slow-moving or still waters with a muddy or sandy bottom. The species is widely distributed across Southeast Asia, with populations found in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Diet

The diet of Luciosoma bleekeri primarily consists of aquatic vegetation, small invertebrates, and detritus. As an omnivorous species, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of its ecosystem by controlling the population of certain invertebrates and contributing to the decomposition of organic matter.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Luciosoma bleekeri is currently not evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, like many freshwater species in Southeast Asia, it may be threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and pollution.