2013/09/10
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Database

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Hong Kong Biodiversity Database

General Information
 
Pseudogastromyzon myersi
Sucker-belly loach
 
Animal Group: Freshwater Fish
淡水魚類
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Balitoridae
Description: The Sucker-belly Loach is a very common freshwater fish found in the upper reaches of local streams. Like other species of Balitoridae, the Sucker-belly Loach has an elongated body with a depressed head and a ventral mouth. The broad pectoral and pelvic fins are horizontally expanded to form a somewhat sucker-like adhesive disc. This adhesive disc allows the fish to attach onto the surface of stones and pebbles in fast-flowing streams. The body of the fish is brownish yellow and characterized by 9 to 10 blackish brown blotches on its back and irregularly distributed dark brown spots on the sides.
Conservation Status
AFCD Assessment
  • Common
Distribution
Distribution in Hong Kong
  • Widely distributed in reservoir catchments and upland streams.
Global Distribution
  • Southern China.
Photo Gallery
References
  • Lam, K. S. (2002). Freshwater Fish in Hong Kong. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Friends of the Country Parks and Cosmos Books Ltd., Hong Kong.
  • Lee, V. L. F., Lam, S. K. S., Ng, F. K. Y., Chan, T. K. T. and Young, M. L. C. (2004). Field Guide to the Freshwater Fish of Hong Kong.Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Friends of the Country Parks and Cosmos Books Ltd., Hong Kong
  • Man, S.H. and Hodgkiss, I.J. (1981). Hong Kong Freshwater Fishes. The Urban Council, Hong Kong.