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Norman's hillstream loach (Annamia normani) — Balitoridae

Norman's hillstream loach

Annamia normani
Family: Balitoridae

The Norman's hillstream loach (Annamia normani) is a freshwater fish of the family Balitoridae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Cambodia, Laos, Viet Nam

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Description

Norman's hillstream loach is a hillstream loach (Balitoridae) from fast-flowing fresh water of Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, flattened, brown-mottled body with broad, horizontally spread pectoral and pelvic fins with which it clamps to stones like a sucker in wild current. With its inferior mouth it rasps algal film and biofilm from rocks. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Norman's hillstream loach?

The Norman's hillstream loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Norman's hillstream loach live?

The Norman's hillstream loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Cambodia, Laos, Viet Nam

How big does the Norman's hillstream loach get?

The Norman's hillstream loach grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Norman's hillstream loach dangerous to humans?

No, the Norman's hillstream loach is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Norman's hillstream loach sourced
Scientific name
Annamia normani
Family
Balitoridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Asia: Cambodia, Laos, Viet Nam sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Balitoridae

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