Parachela microlepis

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.

Description

Parachela microlepis is a small fish, growing to around 4.41 cm 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.

Etymology

The specific name, microlepis, references the much smaller scale size in comparison to other members of the genus.

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.