Kingdom Animalia Species B. microlepis Phylum Chordata Rank Genus | Family Sciaenidae Scientific name Boesemania Higher classification Drums Order Perciformes | |
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Similar Otolithoides biauritus, Drums, Boesemania microlepis, Pachypops, Perciformes | ||
Boesemania is a genus of freshwater fish in the family Sciaenidae. This genus contains the single species Boesemania microlepis. Also known as the boeseman croaker and smallscale croaker, this fish lives in southeast Asian rivers.
Contents
Description
This is a relatively large species. It can reach 1 m (3.3 ft) in length and 18 kg (40 lb) in weight.
Distribution
Boesemania microlepis lives in Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia (Borneo and Sumatra), Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. It is found in several rivers such as the Mekong, Chao Phraya River, Mae Klong, Nan River, Tha Chin River, and Bang Pakong River.
Habitat and behaviour
This species appears to be sedentary. It prefers large, flowing rivers. During the peak of the dry season, it spawns in deepwater pools. During this time, common to other croakers, it can be heard to make loud, continuous, croaking sounds.
Diet
Boesemania microlepis eats mostly small fishes and crustaceans such as shrimps.
Threats
Desired as food, and expensive in southern Laos and northeast Cambodia, this species has become increasingly threatened due to overfishing. Despite this, it remains common in much of its range.