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Reticulate algae eater (Crossocheilus reticulatus) — Cyprinidae

Reticulate algae eater

Crossocheilus reticulatus
Family: Cyprinidae

The Reticulate algae eater (Crossocheilus reticulatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
17 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Cambodia, China, Laos, Viet Nam, Thailand
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The reticulate algae eater is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from large rivers of Southeast Asia, including the Mekong basin. The species grows to about 17 cm and has a slender, silvery body whose scale margins form a fine network pattern, and an underslung, scraping mouth. As a bottom-oriented herbivore it rasps algae and diatoms from stones and wood in flowing water. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Reticulate algae eater?

The Reticulate algae eater has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Reticulate algae eater live?

The Reticulate algae eater lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Cambodia, China, Laos, Viet Nam, Thailand

How big does the Reticulate algae eater get?

The Reticulate algae eater grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Reticulate algae eater dangerous to humans?

No, the Reticulate algae eater 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.

Is the Reticulate algae eater edible?

Yes, the Reticulate algae eater is commonly eaten.

More photos

Reticulate algae eater (Crossocheilus reticulatus) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Alan Temple, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Reticulate algae eater (Crossocheilus reticulatus) — Cyprinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) somphone phommanivong, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Reticulate algae eater (Crossocheilus reticulatus) — Cyprinidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — 5snake5 (CC0)
Reticulate algae eater (Crossocheilus reticulatus) — Cyprinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Woraphot Bunkhwamdi, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Reticulate algae eater sourced
Scientific name
Crossocheilus reticulatus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Cambodia, China, Laos, Viet Nam, Thailand sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, seaweeds and plant material inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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

Same genus Crossocheilus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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