Asian Leaffishes
Asian Leaffishes from the Nandidae family are distributed in Southern Asia and Western Africa. They are recognized by having a compressed and deep body, large head, small protrusible mouth, and an interrupted lateral line.
Members of the Nandidae family are mainly found in freshwater streams, lakes, swamps and ponds. They feed on dipteran larvae, insects and invertebrates.
There are 3 genera with 9 species worldwide. Malaysia has 2 species.
Members of the Nandidae family are mainly found in freshwater streams, lakes, swamps and ponds. They feed on dipteran larvae, insects and invertebrates.
There are 3 genera with 9 species worldwide. Malaysia has 2 species.
Scientific Name: Pristolepis fasciata (Bleeker, 1851)
English Name: Malayan Leaffish, Catopra
Malay Name | Nama Bahasa Melayu Malaysia: Ikan Patung, Kepar
Bahasa Indonesia: Ikan Sepatung
Thai Name | ชื่อสามัญภาษาไทย: ปลาหมอช้างเหยียบ (Plā mocĥāngh̄eyīyb), ปลาปาตอง (Plā pātong)
Main Identification Features: Body strongly compressed. Mouth small, terminal, slightly protractile. Lateral line interrupted. Body with about 6-8 blackish vertical bars. Caudal fin rounded.
Size: Maximum total length 20 cm.
Habitat and Ecology: Inhabits turbid still vegetated ponds, wetlands and slow flowing canals. Rarely found in the fast running rivers. Potamodromous, migrating to upper reaches or flood plains during wet season.
Remarks: The genus Pristolepis is also placed in Pristolepidae family.
English Name: Malayan Leaffish, Catopra
Malay Name | Nama Bahasa Melayu Malaysia: Ikan Patung, Kepar
Bahasa Indonesia: Ikan Sepatung
Thai Name | ชื่อสามัญภาษาไทย: ปลาหมอช้างเหยียบ (Plā mocĥāngh̄eyīyb), ปลาปาตอง (Plā pātong)
Main Identification Features: Body strongly compressed. Mouth small, terminal, slightly protractile. Lateral line interrupted. Body with about 6-8 blackish vertical bars. Caudal fin rounded.
Size: Maximum total length 20 cm.
Habitat and Ecology: Inhabits turbid still vegetated ponds, wetlands and slow flowing canals. Rarely found in the fast running rivers. Potamodromous, migrating to upper reaches or flood plains during wet season.
Remarks: The genus Pristolepis is also placed in Pristolepidae family.
