萨尔温海蜥鱼

Overview

Hampala salweenensis is a freshwater cyprinid from the Salween basin, seldom encountered in ornamental trade. Two rounded flank blotches and black edges on both tail lobes provide useful recognition clues.

Distribution & habitat

Known records lie in northwestern Thailand and Myanmar, including tributaries of the Pai and the more northerly Nam Pang. The full extent of its Salween distribution remains unclear. It favors clear oxygenated rivers over varied substrates, while also tolerating upland or lowland waters with differing flow.

Aquarium setup

Provide a large enclosure with extensive clear swimming room. Stones, gravel, and limited wood can suggest a river setting, but water quality and usable space take priority. Established filtration and circulation must maintain cleanliness and oxygen supply. Use a robust close-fitting cover to contain startled leaps.

Diet & feeding

This is a predatory fish; smaller fish, insects, and freshwater crustaceans are considered likely natural prey. Juveniles can take bloodworms, small worms, and chopped shrimp. Larger individuals accept whole shrimp, mussels, and other appropriately sized animal foods. Dry preparations should remain part of a varied diet.

Avoid overfeeding, heavy use of mammalian or poultry meat, and dependence on live feeder fish carrying disease risks.

Behaviour & compatibility

Fish too large to swallow are generally treated peacefully, but smaller ones remain prey. Rapid movement and feeding enthusiasm can overwhelm timid companions. Choose robust fish of comparable size. A group of five or more distributes hierarchical attention; pairs or trios may expose subordinates to excessive pressure, whereas single fish may remain nervous.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature females may become fuller-bodied than males.

Notes

The forward blotch lies below the dorsal-fin origin and the second crosses the caudal peduncle. Markings can fade with increasing size, so their intensity alone is not a reliable identification test.