Zhongdian Plateau Fish

Last updated 2026-11-09 — Zhongdian Plateau Fish, also known as Noodle Fish, Fine-scaled Fish, or Horse Fish, is mainly found in highland lakes such as Bitahai, Shudu Lake, and Napahai at elevations of 3,100–3,400 meters in Zhongdian. There are two types of Zhongdian Plateau Fish: Zhongdian Double-lipped Fish and Shudu Schizothoracin, both of which are unique freshwater lake fish species of the carp family native to the Zhongdian Plateau. The Zhongdian Double-lipped Fish has an elongated body, usually cylindrical or slightly laterally compressed, with a subterminal mouth, one pair of barbels, two rows of pharyngeal teeth, almost no scales, and one row of scales on each side of the anus and the base of the anal fin. The Shudu Schizothoracin closely resembles the Zhongdian Double-lipped Fish, but it has two pairs of barbels, three rows of pharyngeal teeth, a body covered with fine scales, and a slit on the belly between the large lateral scales—hence the name “Shudu Schizothoracin.” (Diqing)