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Hampala macrolepidota

Hampala barb

Large predatory cyprinid from Southeast Asian rivers.

Photo: Published by Zoologische Mededelingen, at http://www.zoologischemedede, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The hampala barb is a large freshwater fish found across Southeast Asia. It inhabits rivers and streams in the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins. This species serves as a traditional food source and remains common in many areas.

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  • Grows up to 70 cm in length
  • Found in Mekong and Chao Phraya basins
  • Predatory freshwater fish
  • Rated Least Concern by IUCN
  • Traditional food source in Southeast Asia

What it is

The hampala barb is a substantial member of the carp family. It features a streamlined body suited for moving water. Adults can grow up to seventy centimetres in length. Most individuals encountered are about half this maximum size. The fish has large scales and a distinct profile. It is a predatory species within its ecosystem. This distinguishes it from many other plant-eating cyprinids. Its physical build supports active hunting in currents.

Where it lives

This species occupies a wide area in Southeast Asia. It lives in the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins. Populations also exist in Peninsular Malaysia. The Greater Sunda Islands host these fish too. You can find them in Borneo, Java and Sumatra. They prefer flowing rivers and streams. They avoid fast torrents and small creeks. Shallow swamps are not suitable habitats. They thrive in most other freshwater environments.

How it lives

As a predator, this fish hunts other aquatic life. It does not graze on plants like some relatives. It favours moving water where prey is available. The species is adaptable to various freshwater settings. It avoids only the most extreme flow conditions. Small creeks and stagnant swamps are shunned. Running water provides the oxygen and hunting grounds it needs. Its size allows it to dominate smaller fish.

Hampala barb
A drawing made by EveryFish from what this page says. It is a diagram, not a picture of the real fish.

Fish and people

People in Southeast Asia have eaten this fish for ages. It is a recognised part of local diets. Despite heavy use as a food source, it remains plentiful. Fishermen catch it in various parts of its range. The population has not collapsed under fishing pressure. It continues to be an important resource for communities. Its abundance supports its role in regional cuisine.

Status and threats

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists it as Least Concern. This rating reflects its continued abundance in many areas. Fishing has not yet caused a severe decline. The species remains common in at least parts of its habitat. No immediate threat of extinction is currently identified. Conservation efforts are not urgently required at this time.

Thailand, Ranong, southern Thailand, 2012, 35 mmSL, by Sahat Ratmuangkhwang
Thailand, Ranong, southern Thailand, 2012, 35 mmSL, by Sahat Ratmuangkhwang. Photo: Sahat Ratmuangkhwang, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hampala macrolepidota , 177 mm SL (standard length). From Ketapang, West Kalimantan , Indonesia .
Hampala macrolepidota , 177 mm SL (standard length). From Ketapang, West Kalimantan , Indonesia .. Photo: Wibowo Djatmiko ( Wie146 ), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Questions people ask about Hampala barb

How big does the hampala barb get?

This fish can reach a maximum length of seventy centimetres. However, most individuals seen are around half that size. It is considered a relatively large species within its group.

Where does the hampala barb live?

It inhabits freshwater systems in Southeast Asia. Key areas include the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins. It is also found in Peninsular Malaysia and the Greater Sunda Islands like Borneo and Java.

Is the hampala barb endangered?

No, it is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Although it is fished for food, it remains abundant in many parts of its range. The population is currently stable.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Hampala macrolepidota", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.

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Photo credits on this page

The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.

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