萨封氏魮

Overview

Orange dorsal and tail pigmentation helps recognize Discherodontus halei. Handling deserves particular care: scales are easily lost out of water, and damaged areas may subsequently become infected.

Distribution & habitat

Records come from Pahang in central Peninsular Malaysia and the Mae Klong and Chao Phraya systems in Thailand. The absence of records from intervening peninsular Thailand suggests a disjunct range. Clear forest streams and small rivers provide brisk flow, shaded margins and quieter accumulations of leaves, branches and submerged roots where fish are often found.

Aquarium setup

Conditions used for relatives suggest a river-style tank with gravel, rounded rocks and wood creating shaded refuges. Attached plants can be included, and exposed stones provide surfaces for natural films. Maintain clean water, good oxygenation and moderate circulation, replacing roughly a third to half of the volume weekly.

Use an established filter and acclimate gradually, avoiding sudden changes. Keep the fish submerged while guiding it into a transfer bag or container to reduce scale damage. These environmental recommendations derive mainly from related species and should be adjusted to observed condition.

Diet & feeding

Members of the genus mainly consume aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. Regular small live or frozen foods, supplemented by quality prepared diets, provide a suitable feeding approach. Natural films on rock surfaces offer additional browsing opportunities.

Behaviour & compatibility

A peaceful disposition and use of the lower aquarium are expected rather than firmly established. Nonaggressive companions sharing its oxygen requirements are the better candidates. Avoid bottom-oriented cichlids except in very large quarters. At least six conspecifics are suggested for confidence and social interaction, while actual compatibility needs observation.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature females are expected to become slightly larger and heavier-bodied.

Notes

A relatively smooth dorsal spine and orange fins contribute to identification alongside other characters. Vulnerability to scale loss does not mean that the fish is naturally scaleless.