Distoechodon macrophthalmus Zhao, Kullander, Kullander & Zhang, 2009
Red-wing fish

Family:  Xenocyprididae (East Asian minnows)
Max. size:  20.02 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Asia: known only from the Chenhai Lake, Chang Jiang basin in Yunnan Province, China.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal soft rays: 12-12. Differs from all its congeners in having the highest number of lateral line scales (78-85, mostly 82), more pre-dorsal scales (34-39, mostly 36), and relatively bigger eye, being 7.97% vs. 6.37-6.98% in SL. Similar to Distoechodon multispinnis in having higher lateral line and predorsal scale counts, but can be easily distinguished by having larger eyes at the same body size (Ref. 80016). Description: Dorsal-fin rays iii, 7; anal-fin rays iii, 9; pectoral-fin rays i, 14-15; pelvic-fin rays i, 8. Scales around caudal peduncle rarely 24 (Ref. 80016).
Biology:  Before the 1990s, this species was a very important component of the local fishery. Its population is shrinking quickly. No adult specimen was found during the 2004 field survey. The primary threat might be the introduction of icefishes (Family Salangidae) based on survey conducted (Ref. 80016).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 01 November 2022 (B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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