Esomus metallicus Ahl 1923

Has a prominent midlateral stripe on the body; two pairs of barbels, with the anterior (rostral) barbels extending at most to posterior margin of eye (Ref. 27732).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Analsoft rays: 8

Occurs in rivers and swamps (Ref. 57235). Usually associated with standing or slow-flowing, shallow waters (Ref. 27732). Abundant in flooded rice-paddies, canals and ditches. Avoids large rivers and only moves from temporarily inundated habitats if necessitated by seasonal habitat disappearance . Moves into seasonally inundated areas as soon as they are flooded (Ref. 12693, 57235).

Occurs in rivers and swamps (Ref. 57235). Usually associated with standing or slow-flowing, shallow waters (Ref. 27732). Abundant in flooded rice-paddies, canals and ditches. Avoids large rivers and only moves from temporarily inundated habitats if necessitated by seasonal habitat disappearance . Moves into seasonally inundated areas as soon as they are flooded. Feeds on zooplankton, terrestrial insects and aquatic insect larvae. Occasionally sold fresh and used to make prahoc (Ref. 12693, 57235).

fisheries: commercial

Esomus metallicus, sometimes known as striped flying barb (although the common name is usually reserved for Esomus lineatus), is a species of cyprinid found in Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Peninsular Malaysia), including the Salween, Mekong, and Chao Phraya river systems. It is found in fresh and brackish water. It grows to 7.5 cm (3.0 in) standard length.