Beardless Barb (Cyclocheilichthys apogon)

Beardless Barb (Cyclocheilichthys apogon)

A Beardless Barb found in a small catchment fed by a forest stream.

Family: Cyprinidae

Species Name: Cyclocheilichthys apogon
Common Name: Beardless Barb, Chemperas, Barbel-less Chemperas
Presence in Singapore: Native
Habitat: Freshwater forest streams, catchments and reservoirs.
Conservation Status: Endangered (Red Data Book 3)

This is an uncommon Barb in Singapore which can be found inhabiting forest streams and catchments in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, like in MacRitchie Reservoir. This fish can grow up to 25cm in length but are usually found at half the size or less. Interestingly for a barb and as its name suggests, it has no barbels. It forages for small invertebrates on surfaces such as vegetation and along the substrate.

It has a similar look to the introduced Hard-lipped Barb (Osteochilus vittatus) but can be differentiated by having a shorter dorsal fin base in length.

Authors' notes: I need to get a reshoot of this species! 

 

References

• Lim, K.P. and Ng, K.L. 1990. A Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.
• National Parks Board (NParks). Freshwater Fishes. Retrieved from https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nature/species-list/freshwater-fishes.