Gymnostomus ornatapinnis

Overview

Gymnostomus ornatapinnis is a small Mekong cyprinid whose pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins are often orange-red or rose-colored. A small head, short blunt snout, deep tail base, and complete absence of barbels help distinguish it from superficially similar silver fishes.

Distribution & habitat

Known records come from the Mekong drainage in Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. The type locality was a roadside ditch in northeastern Thailand.

Collections favor marginal habitats away from the principal river channel. Still or slowly moving water appears preferred, often in areas that become temporarily inundated. Membership of a major river basin should therefore not be taken as evidence that this species characteristically occupies fast mainstream water.

Notes

Fin coloration provides an obvious clue, with white tips often present on the pelvic and anal fins. Identification should also consider the barbel-free mouth, blunt profile, and unusually deep caudal peduncle rather than relying on red fins alone.

Generic names for this group have changed between publications. Check name relationships when following older records instead of treating every genus change as a separate species. The species epithet itself refers to the comparatively decorative fins.