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Thryssocypris tonlesapensis

Thryssocypris tonlesapensis

Thryssocypris tonlesapensis© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Thryssocypris tonlesapensis is a tiny cyprinid native to Southeast Asian rivers and brackish estuaries. Reaching only about 6.4 cm, it is prized by aquarium hobbyists rather than anglers, but it can be caught with ultra‑light gear. Its small size makes it an easy bite but provides little culinary value.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Danionidae

Max Size

6.4 cm

Habitat

freshwater, brackish

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Year‑round in tropical climates, with a slight increase during the rainy season when water levels rise

Best Time

Early morning and late evening (dawn and dusk)

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Thryssocypris tonlesapensis

  • Use a light float with a size‑0 hook and tiny live bait such as mosquito larvae or infusoria.
  • Keep line tension minimal; the fish are easily spooked and will drop the hook if pulled hard.
  • Target shallow, slow‑moving sections near submerged vegetation where schools gather.
  • Fish during dawn or dusk when the fish are most active.

Top Fishing Locations for Thryssocypris tonlesapensis

Tonle Sap Lake

Cambodia
beginner78% Very Common

World's largest freshwater lake, home to abundant populations of Thryssocypris tonlesapensis, especially in the shallow northern bays during the dry season.

Best: November to February

Mekong River – Kratie Province

Cambodia
beginner65% Common

A stretch of the Mekong near Kratie where the river widens and creates calm backwaters rich in small cyprinids.

Best: October to March

Stung Treng Tributary – Tonle Sap Basin

Cambodia
intermediate50% Common

Remote tributary feeding Tonle Sap; clear water and abundant vegetation make it a hotspot for targeted anglers.

Best: December to April

Mekong River – Near Vientiane

Laos
beginner45% Occasional

Accessible river access just downstream of Vientiane; good during the dry season when fish concentrate in deeper channels.

Best: November to February

Nam Ngum Reservoir

Laos
intermediate35% Occasional

Large reservoir with productive feeding grounds; the species gathers near the shore during the cooler months.

Best: October to March

Mekong Delta – Cái Răng Channel

Vietnam
intermediate30% Occasional

A tidal channel in the Mekong Delta where the fish migrate seasonally; requires local guide knowledge.

Best: December to February

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Thryssocypris tonlesapensis

Recommended Equipment

RodUltra‑light spinning rod (1.2‑1.5 m) with fast action
Line2‑4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro jigs or tiny soft‑plastic grubs, size 0‑2 mm
TechniqueLight surface or near‑surface jigging with a small bobber to detect subtle bites

Best bait: Live mosquito larvae, tiny worm pieces, or infusoria