Family

Cyprinidae

Local Name

Sebarau

English Name

Carp

Scientific Name

Hampala macrolepidota

Size

Average size 10 - 20 centimetres and can grow to more than 40.0 centimetres in length and weighs about than 5 kg.

Morphology

Presence of a black diamond-shaped band running vertically from the dorsal fin downwards to the belly, but disappears when the fish is more than 1.0 kg. The dorsal fin and the caudal fin lobes have also black stripes and this remains until adult, but is less conspicious. Body silverish grey in colour.

Biology

The fish spawn in the upstreams of the rivers. The youngs then either dominate the rivers or move into the lake. It is known that tourists have been able to catch snapshots of the fish climbing the rapids to go to their spawning ground. Diet consists of fish, shrimps and insects.

Distribution

Mostly confined to the rivers but is also present in the lake.

Economic Importance

Readily accepted by locals as a food fish. Market price is about RM7.00/ kg.