Cambodian logsucker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cambodian logsucker |
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The Cambodian logsucker (Garra cambodgiensis) is a type of fish that lives in Southeast Asia. It's also known as the stonelapping minnow or false Siamese algae eater. This fish belongs to a group of ray-finned fish called Garra.
About the Cambodian Logsucker
The Cambodian logsucker has a wide dark stripe along its side. This stripe is about two scales wide. Its top fin, called the dorsal fin, has two black stripes. The tail fin, or caudal fin, can be plain or have dark edges.
These fish show differences between males and females. This is called sexual dimorphism. Females usually have fuller, rounder bellies than males. When it's time to breed, male logsuckers develop a red color inside their mouths. Both males and females grow small bumps, called tubercles, on their heads and snouts during breeding season. These bumps are usually easier to see on the males. Cambodian logsuckers can grow up to 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) long.
Where They Live
The Cambodian logsucker lives in many rivers across Southeast Asia. You can find them in the Mekong River system in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. They also live in other major rivers in Thailand, like the Mae Klong and Chao Phraya rivers.
They are found in many Thai provinces, including Phrae, Phitsanulok, Ubon Ratchathani, Trang, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Sawan, Yala, Chiang Rai, and Surat Thani. You can also find them in Peninsular Malaysia and southeastern Myanmar.
Their Home and Habits
Cambodian logsuckers prefer to live in fast-flowing streams. These streams usually have rocky bottoms. In hilly areas, they might also live in larger rivers.
When the monsoon season starts, they move into flooded areas like floodplains or rice fields. This is where they lay their eggs and breed. The parents take care of the baby fish, called fry, until they are old enough to be on their own. Once they are bigger, the young fish return to the streams.
These fish eat tiny plants and algae that grow on rocks, called periphyton. They also eat very small floating plants, known as phytoplankton, and some insects. Cambodian logsuckers are social fish. They often swim together in loose groups called shoals. Within these groups, they have a social order. If males have a disagreement, they might charge at each other, spread their fins, and become paler in color to show who is stronger.
Logsuckers and People
In some local areas, people eat Cambodian logsuckers, especially when the fish are breeding. These fish are also popular in the aquarium trade. However, it's hard to get them to breed in fish tanks without special help. Scientists sometimes use hormones to encourage them to lay eggs in captivity.
