A rare new resident and another new species weighing in nicely at 7kg . The Incisilabeo Behri (Bangana behri, Labeo behri) ปลาหว้าหน้านอ .. these are extremely hard to get hold of but hopefully, we have been promised some more in the coming weeks..

Distribution

Native to the Mekong river system in southern China, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Possibly the Chao Phraya watershed in central Thailand although this appears to be in question.

Habitat

Inhabits main river channels and large, deep tributaries with rocky substrates, and forms schools with other large, benthic fish species.

The Incisilabeo Behri undergoes seasonal migrations, moving upstream into the Sekong and Srepok rivers in May and June.  At the onset of the wet season, and returning downstream during November and February. There may be two separate migration events; one involving young fish moving to favorable foraging grounds.  The other with sexually mature individuals traveling in order to spawn. The increasing use of electrofishing gear and dams proposed on the Mekong and 3S rivers could have a major negative effect on the species during its migration. More research and conservation planning is needed to understand and protect this unique Mekong fish species!

Growth

Can grow to 450 – 550 mm in length

Fishing in Udon Thani   Udon Thani

Terry Eustace Fishing Thailand with Andy Williams