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[shaolin_cichlasoma]

The 2 species most commonly seen in the pet trade are Hampala macrolepidota (one black band on side) and Hampala dispar (one black spot on side)

Fishbase.org states the following:
Family: Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps) picture (Hamac_uf.jpg) by Freyhof, J.
Order: Cypriniformes (carps)
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
FishBase name: Hampala barb
Max. size: 70.0 cm (macrolepidota) 37.0 cm
Environment: benthopelagic; potamodromous (Ref. 51243); freshwater
Climate: tropical; 22 - 25°C
Distribution:
macrolepidota- Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, Malay Peninsula and Indonesia
dispar- endemic to the Mekong basin
Morphology for macrolepidota: Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal soft rays: 8. Has a black bar between the dorsal and pelvic fins in adults; orange to red caudal fin with a black longitudinal, marginal stripe along each lobe; juveniles usually with an additional vertical bar on the caudal peduncle (Ref. 27732); juveniles with black teardrop-shaped marking on cheek; barbel always longer than eye width (Ref. 12693). Eyes located in upper-side of head; with a vertical groove reaching behind mouth in isthmus; branchial membranes connected and free (Ref. 45536).
Biology for macrolepidota: Occurs mainly in clear rivers or streams with running water and sandy to muddy bottoms (Ref. 4832). Found in most water bodies, except small creeks, torrents, and shallow swamps (Ref. 27732). A migratory species (Ref. 37772). Enters flooded forest (Ref. 9497). Abundant in the Mekong and in the Nam Ngum Reservoir. Found in the basin-wide tributary of the lower Mekong (Ref. 36667). Largest individual believed to be in a pool below the Chendoroh Dam in Perah, Malaysia. A predatory fish: adults mainly piscivorous in Zoo Negara Lake, Malaysia, but in Saguling Reservoir, West Java, 74 % of the diet consists of aquatic insects. Breeds throughout the rainy season (Ref. 12693). Good fish though bony. May be made into `Lap pa'. Marketed fresh (Ref. 12693).
Red List Status: Not in IUCN Red List (Ref. 36508)
Dangerous: harmless
Coordinator:
Main Ref: Roberts, T.R.. 1989. (Ref. 2091)
Morphology for dispar: Has a round midlateral blotch under the dorsal-fin origin in adults and a plain grey caudal fin (Ref. 27732); juveniles lack black teardrop-shaped marking on cheek; barbel always shorter than eye width (Ref. 12693).
Biology for dispar: Occurs in slowly moving or standing water habitats (Ref. 12693). Encountered also in rapid-running mountain streams of the middle Mekong (Ref. 12975). Common in impoundments, with small individuals frequenting areas of dense vegetation. Feeds mainly on prawns, crabs, and shrimps, along with some insect larvae and some fish as well. Breeds at the start of the rainy season and the young are found in seasonally flooded habitats in June

Personal experiences with Hampala species:
Hampala are tough and easy to maintain in a variety of conditions. I have never observed any health problems with them. They can live with virtually any other fish. They are voracious eaters and will eat feeders, but they are not aggressive at all in my experience. I feed mine tiny whole shrimp from Asian markets as well as cooked cocktail shrimp and Purina Aquamax fry starter sinking granules. Their tank must be well covered since they can jump VERY high. Also take care when moving them as they will easily jump out of a bucket. I currently have both of the above mentioned species and they are very similar when small (2-4"), as they grow they become very different from each other. Dispar get's "beefier" and has a rougher appearance while macrolepidota becomes very sleek and more aesthetically pleasing. Hampala barbs make good companions for fish that are difficult to wean off live foods. They will eagerly strike at anything on the surface and thus teach fish such a ATF to eat prepared foods.

Links to pictures:

Juvenile Hampala macrolepidota


Juvenile Hampala dispar


Adult Hampala

[Ed!]

Nice job, Jason.

[red1]

nice!