Tetraodon barbatus Roberts, 1998

Family:  Tetraodontidae (Puffers), subfamily: Tetraodontinae
Max. size:  13.62 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Asia: Mekong basin.
Diagnosis:  Anal soft rays: 10-11. Previously considered a synonym of Tetraodon cambodgiensis but can be distinguished by the absence of small spinules or prickles on caudal peduncle and having broader head with head width at the preorbital, post orbital and nape of 54.1-59.8, 69.1-79.7 and 76.5-86.8 %HL, respectively (vs. 48.7-52.9, 60.2-67.6 and 68.5-75.0 %HL, respectively, in T. cambodgiensis) (Ref. 95519). Description: dorsal-fin rays i-ii 11-12; anal-fin rays i 9-10; pectoral-fin rays i-ii 20-23 (Ref. 95519).
Biology:  Found in the Mekong mainstream as well as in its large tributaries, especially in areas with rocky, sandy or muddy substrates. Often syntopic with Tetraodon suvattii and T. baileyi (Ref. 95519).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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