ECOLOGICAL NOTES ON THE BALITORID LOACH, Acanthocobitis zonalternans (BLYTH) (PISCES:CYPRINIFORMES) IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Abstract

The balitorid loach, Acanthocobitis zonalternans (Blyth) is reported from Peninsular Malaysia for the first time,recently. The species can be found at several localities in Kedah where specimens were previously collected represent the southernmost limit of its geographic range. This small,peaceful, bottom dwelling fish species is highly suitable to be utilised as ornamental fish but little is known about it environmental biology and ecology. This paper gives the general descriptions of the species and some notes on its habitats which might be useful for the breading and aquaculture program.