Systomus lateristriga (Valenciennes)

Family Cyprinidae
[Malay: ikan bagoh; English: t-barb]


Systomus lateristriga. Temenggor, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia

Systomus lateristriga. Belimbing, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia

Tweedie (1961) reported that there were at least six distinct forms of S. lateristriga found throughout Peninsular Malaysia. The specimen from Temenggor has posterior vertical bar well developed, of which the base is broad spanning almost the entire dorsal fin base. This form very much similar to Pahang and Kelantan form (Tweedie, 1961: 180, Plate 22, Figure 5, 6) and almost reaching pelvic fins base similar to Johor form (Tweedie, 1961: 178, Plate 22, Figure 1, 2). The posterior horizontal bar is well developed and relatively broad, but does not connected to posterior vertical bar. Supraanal spot is not clearly visible, and relatively small (probably due to stress). The specimen from Belimbing, Maran, Pahang relatively similar to specimen from Temenggor, Perak. The posterior horizontal bar of this recently preserved specimen broder than the previous specimen. Interestingly, according to Tweedie (1961) the upper Perak and Pahang does not seem to belong to the same group!
Systomus lateristriga. Menderu, Terenggau, Peninsular Malaysia

Systomus lateristriga. Menderu, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia

The bottom two pictures were the same specimen collected from Air Menderu, Kerteh, Terengganu. In the live specimen, anterior and posterior vertical bar is not connected as the second (anterior) horizontal bar of this specimen is 'missing'. The posterior vertical bar is prominent, showing the based covering almost entire dorsal fin based and it extending almost reaching the pelvic fins. The posterior horizontal bar seems here does not connecting to the posterior vertical bar. Supraanal spot was clearly visible in life specimen but almost entirely vanished in preserved specimen. However, I can't compare the small specimen since I don't have any.
This fish is suitable for large aquarium display and looking great in school. However, care should be taken as it is easily die if dissolved oxygen is lacking. Female usually larger but (presumably) male is more attractive with bright yellow and black marking on its body.