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Spiny-rayed scraper carp (Scaphiodonichthys acanthopterus) — Cyprinidae

Spiny-rayed scraper carp

Scaphiodonichthys acanthopterus
Family: Cyprinidae

The Spiny-rayed scraper carp (Scaphiodonichthys acanthopterus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 31 cm.

Length
31 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Cambodia, China, Laos, Viet Nam, Thailand
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The spiny-rayed scraper carp is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from fast-flowing rivers and mountain streams of Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with an inferior, transverse mouth with a horny edge. As a bottom-dweller it rasps algae, biofilm and detritus from stones in clear, oxygen-rich water; in the rainy season it migrates upstream. It is locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spiny-rayed scraper carp?

The Spiny-rayed scraper carp has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Spiny-rayed scraper carp live?

The Spiny-rayed scraper carp lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Cambodia, China, Laos, Viet Nam, Thailand

How big does the Spiny-rayed scraper carp get?

The Spiny-rayed scraper carp grows to a maximum of about 31 cm.

Is the Spiny-rayed scraper carp dangerous to humans?

No, the Spiny-rayed scraper carp 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 Spiny-rayed scraper carp edible?

The Spiny-rayed scraper carp is rarely eaten.

More photos

Spiny-rayed scraper carp (Scaphiodonichthys acanthopterus) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) 刘光裕 Liu Guangyu, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Spiny-rayed scraper carp (Scaphiodonichthys acanthopterus) — Cyprinidae — 3
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Spiny-rayed scraper carp (Scaphiodonichthys acanthopterus) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Woraphot Bunkhwamdi, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Spiny-rayed scraper carp (Scaphiodonichthys acanthopterus) — Cyprinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Woraphot Bunkhwamdi, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Spiny-rayed scraper carp sourced
Scientific name
Scaphiodonichthys acanthopterus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
31.0 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
Open water sourced
Natural range
Asia: Cambodia, China, Laos, Viet Nam, Thailand sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus 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
Rarely eaten inferred
Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. 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

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Fin

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