| Parachela microlepis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cypriniformes |
| Family: | Xenocyprididae |
| Genus: | Parachela |
| Species: | P. microlepis |
| Binomial name | |
| 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. [1]
Parachela microlepis is a small fish, growing to around 4.41 cm (1.74 in) 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. [1]
The specific name, microlepis, references the much smaller scale size in comparison to other members of the genus. [1]
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. [1]