Parachela microlepis
| Parachela microlepis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cypriniformes |
| Family: | Xenocyprididae |
| Genus: | Parachela |
| Species: | P. microlepis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Parachela microlepis Page, Tangjitjaroen, Limpichat, Randall, Boyd, Tongnunui, and Pfeiffer, 2024
| |
Parachela microlepis is a species of xenocypridid fish native to the Mae Klong and Mekong rivers in Thailand. It was described to science as a distinct species in 2024.[1]
Description
Parachela microlepis is a small fish, growing to around 4.41 cm (1.74 in) in length. In life, it is a silver color across the entire body and fins, with a gold-coppery stripe down the spine. It can be distinguished from all other members of the genus by its six pelvic fin rays, amount of lateral-line scales, and distinctive snout and anal fin shapes.[1]
Etymology
The specific name, microlepis, references the much smaller scale size in comparison to other members of the genus.[1]
Taxonomic evaluation
Parachela microlepis was found to have formed two different distinct clades within the species, one native to the Mekong and the other to the Mae Klong.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d Page, Lawrence; Tangjijaroen, Weerapongse; Limpichat, Jirasin; Randall, Zachary; Boyd, David; Tongnunui, Sampan; Pfeiffer, John (September 19, 2024). "A taxonomic revision of Parachela with descriptions of two new species (Cypriniformes: Xenocyprididae)". Journal of Fish Biology. 105 (6): 1875–1905. Retrieved August 14, 2025.