Taxonomy & naming
Described by Li Siyi in 1984. The type locality is Yangbi Xian, Yunnan Province, China. It is a valid species in the Catalog of Fishes. The epithet combines Greek makros (large) and Latin maculatus (spotted).
Morphology
A flattened, torrent-adapted catfish with a thoracic adhesive pad and spined fins; the name indicates large blotches or spots. FishBase gives a maximum of 6.5 in SL.
Habitat
FishBase lists the Mekong basin in China and Laos, with a report from Thailand, and says it is usually associated with fast-flowing streams and headwaters.
Feeding
A benthic insectivore; no species-specific data.
Mating
Mating behaviour is not documented for Glyptothorax macromaculatus in the sources available to the atlas. Sexes cannot be separated reliably from the information available.
Breeding
No spawning or breeding record is known to the atlas.
In the aquarium
A specialised rheophile needing clean, cool-to-moderate, high-oxygen flowing water and rock cover. Seldom available.
Conservation
The IUCN Red List assessed Glyptothorax macromaculatus as Least Concern in 2010. Hillstream fishes are sensitive to siltation, damming and altered flow.