Cyprinidae

Nam Theun sharp-mouth barb

Scaphognathops theunensis

• Tropical
• Regional distribution
• Freshwater fish
• Southeast Asia
• Medium
• Tropical fish

Scaphognathops theunensis is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae, the family which includes the carps, barbs and related fishes. This species is classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangered, being endemic to the upper parts of the Nam Kading basin in Laos where it occurs in the middle and lower Nam Theun and the Nam Gnouang rivers. It needs flowing water and is threatened by the creation of reservoirs which have been created on the rivers this species is found in.