Schizopygopsis younghusbandi

Schizopygopsis younghusbandi is a species of ray-finned fish endemic to Tibet.^[2] It occurs in the Yarlung Tsangpo River (=upper Brahmaputra) drainage and in endorheic lakes in its vicinity.^[1] Schizopygopsis younghusbandi grows to about 50 cm (1.6 ft) in total length.^[2]

Schizopygopsis younghusbandi
Conservation status
Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Cypriniformes
Family:	Cyprinidae
Genus:	Schizopygopsis
Species:	S. younghusbandi
Binomial name
Schizopygopsis younghusbandi Regan, 1905

Several species and subspecies are currently considered as junior synonyms of Schizopygopsis younghusbandi. The taxonomic status of these should be re-examined as they might be distinct species.^[1]

Etymology

The Etyfish Project states that the patronym was not identified but clearly in honor of Lieut.-Col. Francis Edward Younghusband (1863-1942), who led a 1904 British expedition to Tibet, during which the type specimen was collected.^[3]

Habitat and ecology

Schizopygopsis younghusbandi inhabits swift rivers with a rocky substrate, and mountain lakes. It is locally common.^[1]

Schizopygopsis younghusbandi has been found to be the prey species that contributed most to the diet of Oxygymnocypris stewartii, a large predatory cyprinid. On average, Schizopygopsis younghusbandi made 59% of Oxygymnocypris stewartii stomach content weight, more so among larger individuals than smaller ones.^[4]

Fishery

Schizopygopsis younghusbandi is heavily used as a food fish and is among the most important commercial species in the area.^[1]