About Hampala macrolepidota Kuhl & Van Hasselt, 1823
Hampala macrolepidota, commonly known as the hampala barb, is a relatively large cyprinid fish species native to Southeast Asia. It is found in the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, Peninsular Malaysia, and the Greater Sundas, which include Borneo, Java, and Sumatra. This species prefers running rivers and streams, and can occur in most freshwater habitats, with the exception of torrents, small creeks, and shallow swamps. Hampala macrolepidota is a predatory species that can reach a maximum total length of 70 cm (2.3 ft), and individuals are commonly found at 35 cm in length. This fish has been used as a food source in Southeast Asia since ancient times. Even though it is an important food fish, it remains abundant across at least portions of its range, so the IUCN has rated the species as Least Concern.
