ENDEMIC FRESHWATER Endemic freshwater fishes of Sri

FISHES OF Lanka.
01. Acanthocobitis uropthalmus.
SRI LANKA. 02. Aplochelius dayi.
03. Apalocheliys werneri.
04. Belontia signata.
UNIVERSITY OF RUHUNA, 05. Channa orientalis.
DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES BIOLOGY, 06. Clarias brachysoma.
MATARA
07. Danio pathirana.
kkamal@nara.ac.lk
08. Esomous thermoicos.
09. Garra ceylonensis.
10. Garra phillipsi.

11. Heteropneustes microps. 21. Puntius pleurotaenia.

12. Horadandiya atukorali. 22. Puntius srilankensis.
13. Labeo fisheri. 23. Puntius titteya.
24. Rasbora vaterifloris.
14. Lepidocephalihthysis jonklaasi.
25. Rasbora vilpita.
15. Malpulutta kretseri. 26. Schismatogobius deraniyagala.
16. Puntiua asoka. 27. Schistura notostigma.
17. Puntius bandula. 28. Sciyopterus halei.
18. Puntius bimaculatus. 29. Sicyopus jonklaasi.
19. Puntius cummingii.
20. Puntius nigrofasciatus

Diversity of Vertebrate of Sri Lanka.

01.Acanthocobitis urophthalus.(Gunther,1868)

# Of all Sp. # Of endemic Sp. Class-Teleostomi.

Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Fresh water fish 94 33 Order-Cypriniformes.
Family-Balitoridae.
Birds 428 26
Sub family-Nemacheilinae .
Mammalian 100 14 Genus- Acanthocobitis
Species- Acanthocobitis urophthalus.
Amphibians 55 35

Reptiles 156 81

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Acanthocobitis uropthalmus *Common name-Banded mountainloach,
(Vairan ehirava)
ehirava) Vairan ehirava,Tiger loach.
*Max. size-4.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).
*Climate-Tropical; 8°N - 6°N
*Environment- Demersal; freshwater .
*Distribution- Asia: restricted to the south western
lowlands from Kelani River to Nilwala River,
Sri Lanka.
*Biology- Found in shallow, flowing waters over
pebble substrate. Probably feeds on invertebrates
and detritus. A hardy species that is among the
favorites in the aquarium fish trade .

A. uropthalmus.
Acanthocobitis uropthalmus (Vairan • Acanthocobitis urophthalmus picture
(Acuro_u0.jpg) by Ott, G. ,
ehirava)
ehirava)
Acanthocobitis urophthalmus picture (Acuro_u0.jpg) by Ott, G. ,

02. Aplocheilus dayi (Steindachner, 1892). Aplocheilus lineatus dayi

(Uda handeya)
handeya)

*Class-Teleostomi.
*Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).
*Order-Cyprinodontiformes.
*Family-Aplocheilidae.
*Sub family-Aplocheilinae .
*Genus- Aplocheilus.
*Species- Aplocheilus dayi.

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*Common name-Day,s killifish, Uda handaya.
*Max. size-9.0 cm TL(male/unsexed) . Aplocheilus lineatus dayi (Uda handeya)
handeya)
*Environment-Benthopelagic, non-migratory,
freshwater; brackish.
*Climate- tropical; 20 - 25°C.
*Distribution-Asia: endemic to Sri Lanka.
Confined to the Kelani basin and the
adjacent coastal areas.
*Biology-Usually inhabits shallow, heavily
shaded forest streams with a silt substrate.
Also occurs in brackish mangrove swamps,
often together with Aplocheilus parvus.
Feeds on small insects, insect larvae and fish fry.

03. Aplocheilus werneri.(Meinken, 1966).

Aplocheilus lineatus dayi
(Uda handeya)
handeya)
Class-Teleostomi.
Class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order-Cyprinodontiformes.
Family-Aplocheilidae.
Sub family-Aplocheilinae
Genus- Aplocheilus
Species-Aplocheilus werneri.

Aplocheilus werneri *Common names-Iri handeya, Werner,s killifish.

(Iri hadeya) *Max. size-7.0 cm TL .(male/unsexed).
hadeya)
*Climate-tropical.
*Environment- Benthopelagic; non-migratory;
freshwater .
*Distribution-endemic to Sri Lanka. Known
from Kalu to Nilwala basins.
*Biology-Inhabits small, shallow,
slow-flowing, heavily shaded streams
and rivulets with a silt or clay
substrate. Feeds on insects and fish fry.
It is easy to maintain in the aquarium .

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 Aplocheilus werneri (Iri hadeya)

A. werneri.

04. Belontia signata.(Gunther, 1861).

Aplocheilus werneri (Iri hadeya)
Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) .
Order-Perciformes.
Family-Osphronemidae (Gouramies) .
Sub family- Osphroneminae .
Genus- Belotia
Species- Belontia signata

*Common names-Combtail, Thalkossa.

Belontia signata
*Max. size- 18.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).
*Climate-Tropical; 24 - 28°C.
(Thalkossa)
Thalkossa) *Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater ; depth range 0 - 1 m .
*Distribution-common in the south west quarter and mid-hill region
of the Mahaweli basin, including the lower hills up to about 800
m. Found throughout Kelani and Kalu River basins, Sri Lanka.
*Biology-Inhabits usually slow-flowing, shallow, clear water
streams, usually with a pebble or sand substrate. Territorial,
usually solitary, juveniles form small schools of 3-5 individuals.
Feeds on terrestrial insects and detritus.
*Comments-The populations, particularly the brightly colored
varieties, appear to have declined significantly during the past ten
years probably due to over-fishing and pollution. Exported as an
aquarium fish.

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 Belontia signata (Thalkossa)
Thalkossa)

Belontia signata..

05. Channa orientalis. (Bloch & Schneider, 1801).

Channa Orientalis
Class-Teleostomi. (Kola kanaya)
kanaya)
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) .
Order-Perciformes.
Family-Channidae.
Genus- Channa
Species- Channa orientalis.

*Common names-Smooth breasted snaked head,

Brown snaked head,Kola kanaya,
Parandal kanaya. *Biology-A broadly adapted species occurring
*Max. size-33.0 cm TL (male/unsexed). in rivers, lakes, ponds, mountain streams
*Climate-tropical; 23 - 26°C. and even brackish water Usually hides under
*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish;pH range: 6.0 - 8.0. the cover of marginal roots and bogwood.
*Distribution-Confined to the south western wet zone, including the
Found in quiet, shaded, clear, flowing water
lower south western hills.
*Comment-Pollution and loss of rain forest will probably affect with a silt or gravel substrate . Can tolerate
populations of this fish. very stagnant, poorly oxygenated and turbid
water. Also tolerates very foul water. Feeds
largely on insects and crustaceans. A small
percentage of fish is also included in the diet.
spawns in shallow water with a silt or gravel
substrate. Tolerates a temperature of 36.5°C

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Channa Orientalis (Kola kanaya)

Channa orientalis

Clarias brachysoma
06. Clarias brachysoma.(Gunther, 1864) (Magura)
Magura)
Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) .
Order-Siluriformes (catfish) .
Family-Claridae (Airbreathing catfishes) .
Genus- Clarias.
Species-Clarias brachysoma.

Clarias brachysoma (Magura)

Magura)
*Common names-Magura, Walking cat fish.
*Max length- 50.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).
*Climate-Tropical.
*Distribution-Occurs throughout the wet zone
lowlands and the central hill region of the
Mahaweli River basin.
*Biology-Inhabits rain forest streams and
lowland rivers. Feeds at night on fish,
worms, frogs, tadpoles and crustaceans.

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 07. Danio pathirana.(Kottelat & Pethiyagoda,1990).
Clarias brachysoma (Magura)
Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii(ray-finned fishes).
Order-Cypriniformes((carps).
Family-Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps).
Genus- Danio
Species- Danio pathirana.

*Common name-Barred danio, Pathirana dandiya,

Danio pathirana Pathirana salaya
(Pathirana salaya)
salaya) *Max. length-6.0 cm TL (male/unsexed)
*Climate-Tropical; 22 - 25°C.
*Environment-: Benthopelagic; non-migratory; freshwater .
*Distribution-Known only from Nilwala River basin in Opatha.
*Biology-Occurs in still pools to swift flowing streams with pebble or
boulder substrates, seldom over sand. Has not been found in silted
rivulets flowing into mainstream. More sedentary than D. surface.
malabaricus. Forms groups of 3-5 individuals slowly moving near
the Probably feeds on insects. Aquarium fish exporters voluntarily
refrained from collecting this species until it was better understood
and bred commercially. Collected in moderate numbers.
*Comments-Population is under threat due to pressure from aquarium
fishery, shade loss and agricultural effluents

1. Danio pathirana (Pathirana salaya)

salaya)

Danio pathirana.

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08. Esomous thermoicos.(Valenciennes, 1842). Esomous danrica thermoicos
(Ravul dandiya)
dandiya)
Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) .
Order- Cypriniformes (carps).
Family- Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps).
Genus- Esomous
Species-Esomous thermoicos.

*Common names- Flying barb, ravul dandiya.

*Max. length- 12.7 cm TL (male/unsexed).
*Climate-Tropical.
*Distribution-Common (usually seen).
*Biology-Occurs in ponds and ditches and can tolerate very muddy
water during droughts (Ref. 4832). More common in muddy
pools than in flowing water. Feeds on insect larvae, small
worms and crustaceans. Spawns semi-adhesive eggs usually
on floating or marginal vegetation .

E.thermoicos.

2. Esomous danrica thermoicos (Ravul dandiya)

09. Garra ceylonensis. (Bleeker,1863)
dandiya)

Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order-Cypriniformes.(Carps)
Family-Cyprinidae. (Minnows or carps)
Genus- Garra
Species-Garra ceylonensis.

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Garra ceylonensis *Common names-Gal pandi, Stone sucker.
(Gal pandiya)
pandiya) *Max. size-15.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).
*Climate-Tropical; 24 - 26°C.
*Environment- Benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 7.0
*Distribution-Throughout the island.
*Biology-Occurs in slow to moderately flowing rivers
and streams. Adults and juveniles (>=5 cm.) with
fully developed sucking discs are associated with
rocky substrates. Juveniles are found throughout
the water column, generally free swimming in search
of food. Reported to ascend small, rocky streams to
breed. Feeds essentially on algae (diatoms). Popular
with the aquarium fish trade .

3. Garra ceylonensis (Gal pandiya)

pandiya) Garra ceylonensis (Gal pandiya)

Garra ceylonensis (Gal pandiya) Garra ceylonensis (Gal pandiya)

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 Garra ceylonensis.
10. Garra Phillipsi.(Deraniyagala,1933)

Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned
fishes).
Order-Cypriniformes. (carps) .
Family-Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps).
Genus- Garra
Species-Garra Phillipsi.

Garra phillipsi *Common name-Phillip,s garra.

*Max. length-10.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).
*Climate-Tropical.
*Environment- Benthopelagic; freshwater
*Distribution-Restricted to mountain streams of
the Knuckles Range in Mahaweli Basin.
*Biology-Occurs in rocky areas of hill streams, almost
always in fast-flowing water. More common in
deeper and more heavily shaded areas of clear-
water streams. Occurs sympatrically with
G. ceylonensis in its limited range.Feeds
essentially on algae in captivity. This species
is easy to maintain in aquarium .
*Comment-Siltation poses threat to the fish population.

4. Garra phillipsi
11. Heteropneustes microps. (Gunther,1864).

Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order-Siluriformes (catfish)
Family-Heteropneustidae (Airsac catfishes)
Genus- Heteropneustes
Species- Heteropneustes microps

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 *Common name-No common name.
Heteropneustes microps *Max size-15.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).
*Climate-Tropical; 22 - 26°C.
(hunga)
hunga) *Environment-Demersal; freshwater; brackish .
*Distribution-Recorded from Dambuwa, near
Gampaha (basin of the Attanagalu Oya , but recorded
from India .
*Biology-Occurs mainly in swamps and similar still, often turbid
waters (e.g. irrigation ditches). Forms loose schools of about ten
individuals of approximately the same size. Enters brackish water. Can
survive temperatures up to 39.8°C . An omnivore with nocturnal feeding
habits. Very easily maintained in captivity. Sympatric with H. fossilis
which is more abundant in the type locality. Best method of catch is
dewatering of small water holes during drought period .
*Comments-Most of the habitat of this fish has largely been lost due to
urbanization. Population is under threat due to agricultural effluents .

Heteropneustes microps (hunga)

hunga) Heteropneustes microps (hunga)
hunga)

Horadandiya atukarali
12. Horadandiya atukorali.(Deraniyagala,1943) (Hora dandiya)
dandiya)
Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class- Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).
Order-Cypriniformes (carps).
Family-Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps).
Genus- Horadandiya
Species- Horadandiya atukorali.

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*Common name-Horadandiya.
*Max. size-3.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).
H. atukorali.
*Climate-Tropical; 24 - 26°C.
*Environment- Pelagic; freshwater; brackish; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5.
*Distribution-Habitats in Muthurajawela swamp.
*Biology-Inhabits still or slow-moving water, frequenting swamps, rice
fields and similar still waters. Found in weedy ponds of coastal plains
Common in less saline mangrove swamps and in less polluted canals.
Often encountered together with Aplocheilus. Feeds on insects.
*Comments-This species forms a noticeable proportion of the kuni.
(Small shrimp).

13. Labeo fisheri.( Jordan & Starks, 1917).

Horadandiya atukarali (Hora dandiya)
dandiya)
Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order-Cypriniformes (carps)
Sub order-Cyprinoidei.
Family-Cyprinidae.
Sub family-Cyprininae.
Genus- Labeo
Species- Labeo fisheri.

Labeo fisheri
(Gadaya)
Gadaya) *Common names-Gadeya, Mountain labeo,
Green labeo.
*Max size- 30.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).
*Climate-Tropical.
*Environment- Benthopelagic; freshwater.
*Distribution-Occurs only in a few rocky
streams and the Mahaweli River basin,
particularly streams descending from the
Knuckles range.

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 *Biology-Occurs in a few localized, rocky, fast-flowing
mountain streams. Has not been recorded from unshaded,
5. Labeo fisheri (Gadaya)
Gadaya)
silty or turbid waters (Ref. 11966). Moves fast through the
water, staying close to the bottom. Juveniles have been
observed picking algae off submerged rocks. Feeds on
algae. Occurs sympatrically with (and possibly mistaken for)
Puntius sp. 'martenstyn' throughout the known range.
May be greatly endangered by the damming of Mahawel River.
Too rare and difficult to capture for food .
*Comments-Shade loss and siltation pose threats to
fish population (Ref. 11966). May be greatly endangered
by the damming of Mahaweli River.

Labeo fisheri (Gadaya) Labeo fisheri (Gadaya)

14. Lepidocephalichthysis jonclaasi. (Deraniyagala, *Common names-Jonklaas ehirava,Jonklaas,s loach,

1956) Spotted loach.
*Max size-6.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).
Class-Teleostomi.. *Climate-Tropical.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) *Environment-Demersal; non-migratory; freshwater.
Order-Cypriniformes (carps) *Distribution-Previously known only from the type
Sub order-Cyprinoidae. locality in Wilpita stream, Akuressa, but recently
Family-Cobitidae (Loaches) , collected from Madakada in the Kalu River basin
Sub family-Cobitinae and in the Kanneliya Reserve in the Gin River basin.
Genus- Lepidocephalichthysis
Species- Lepidocephalichthysis jonclaasi..

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*Biology-Inhabits shallow, slow-flowing rivulets,
heavily shaded, with leaf debris. This fish is not
visible from the water surface, being concealed
beneath leaf debris. It is too rare to be of value to
the aquarium trade which in any case exports large
numbers of the superficially similar Lepidocephalus
thermalis .
*Comment-Population is under threat due to
deforestation .

Lepidocephalichthysis jonklaasi.

Lepidocephalichthys jonklaasi (Jonklaas Lepidocephalichthysis jonklaasi (Jonklaas

ehirava)
ehirava) ehirava)
ehirava)

15. Malpulutta kretseri.(Deraniyagala, 1937) Malpulutta kretseri

(Malpulutta)
Malpulutta)
Class- Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order-Perciformes (perch-likes)
Family-Ospronemidae (Gouramies) .
Sub family-Macropodinae
Genus- Malpulutta
Species-Malpulutta kretseri.

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 *Common names-Malpulutta,Ornate paradise fish.
*Max. size-4.0 cm TL( male/unsexed).
*Climate-Tropical; 24 - 28°C.
*Environment-Demersal; freshwater; pH range: 5.5 - 7.5.
*Distribution-restricted to south western Sri Lanka
in Colombo-Galle-Ratnapura triangle. Was first recorded
from Hettipola (near Kurunegala).
*Biology-Restricted to forested areas and small,
shallow, slow flowing silted streams with leaf debris
and thick marginal vegetation. Stays close to the
substrate and is very seldom found in unshaded waters.
Feeds on fish fry, plankton and insect larvae. Bubble
nest builder Malpulutta kretseri.

Malpulutta kretseri (Malpulutta)

Malpulutta) 16. Puntius asoka.(Kottwlat & Pethiyagoda,1989)

Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order-Cypriniformes (carps)
Sub order-Cyprinoidei
Family-Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Sub family-Cyprininae.
Genus- Puntius
Species- Puntius asoka

Puntius asoka *Common names-Asoka barb, Asoka pethiya.

(Asoka pethiya)
pethiya) *Max. size-17.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).
*Climate-Tropical; 25 - 30°C.
*Environment- Benthopelagic; freshwater; pH
range:6.5 - 7.5; depth range 1 - 2 m .
*Distribution-Occurs at elevations of 120-250 m.
Found in the Sitawaka River and Kelani
near Kitulgala

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*Biology-Found in relatively deep (1-2 m)
fast-flowing water, in areas with gravel or
6. Puntius asoka (Asoka pethiya)
pethiya)
sand substrates. Juveniles (1-3cm TL) shoal
together in schools of 30-100 individuals in very
shallow water (5-25 cm), downstream. Adults occupy
deeper water (1-2m), upstream. Usually occupies
unshaded areas. Fast swimmers and not easily
identified from water surface. Declining numbers
due to intensive fishing by fish exporters .
*Comment-Declining population is due to intensive
fishing by fish exporters and siltation.

17. Puntius bandula. (Kottelat & Pethiyagoda, *Common name-Bandula barb.

1991) *Max. size-4.1 cm SL (male/unsexed).
*Climate-Tropical.
*Environmental-Benthopelagic; freshwater .
Class-Teleostomi. *Distribution-Known only from a small, unnamed
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) stream flowing through Minimaru Coloniya in
Pallegama Estate near Galapitamada.
Order-Cypriniformes (carps) *Biology-Inhabits small, rocky stream flowing
Sub order-Cyprinoidei. through rice field and rubber plantation. Found under
Family-Cyprinidae. leaves and among emersed vegetation in shallow
water (<20 cm) on the margins of the stream
Sub family-Cyprininae. *Comment-Population is under threat due to
Genus- Puntius agrochemicals and pressure from aquarium
Species- Puntius bandula fishery

7. Puntius bandula (Bandula barb) 18. Puntius bimaculatus (Bleeker,1863)

Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).
Order-Cypriniformes (carps) .
Sub order-Cyprinoidei.
Family-Cyprinidae.
Sub family-Cyprininae.
Genus- Puntius
Species- Puntius bimaculatus.

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 *Common names-Ipilli kadaya, Redside barb.
*Max. size-7.0 cm TL(male/unsexed) .
*Climate-Tropical; 22 - 24°C.
*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater;
pH range: 6.5.
*Distribution-Found throughout the island,
but is more abundant in the wet zone.
*Biology-Inhabits hill streams, lowland swamps
and dry zone rivers and tanks. Feeds mainly on
green algae and detritus. Popular for
aquarium purposes.

19. Puntius cummingii (Gunther,1868)

Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).
Order-Cypriniformes (carps)
Sub order-Cyprinoidei.
Family-Cyprinidae.
Sub family-Cyprininae.
Genus- Puntius
Species- Puntius cummingii.

Puntius cumingii *Common names-Cuming,s barb,Pothaya,Two spot barb.

(Pothaya)
Pothaya) *Max. size-5.0 cm TL(male/unsexed) .
*Climate-Tropical; 22 - 27°C.
*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range:
5.5 - 6.5.
*Distribution-Introduced population at Mahaweli (Ginigathena)
well established between Gampola and Ginigathena
*Biology-Yellow finned variety usually occurs in flowing
water and stays close to the substrate (sand to boulders).
Red finned variety inhabits slow flowing waters of marshes
in the Kelani Valley foothills, associated with mud or
silt bottoms. Forms medium sized shoals. Matures at 3 cm
and spawns during rainy season (Ref. 6468). Feeds on green
algae, plankton and detritus (Ref. 6469). Population with
strongly bifurcate caudal fin from introduced Mahaweli stock.

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 8. Puntius cumingii (Pothaya)
Pothaya)

P. cummingii.

Puntius cumingii (Pothaya)

Pothaya) 20. Puntius nigrofasciatus.(Gunther,1868)

Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order-Cypriniformes (carps).
Sub order-Cyprinoidei.
Family-Cyprinidae.
Sub family-Cyprininae.
Genus- Puntius
Species- Puntius nigrofasciatus.

Puntius nigrofasciatus *Common name-Black ruby barb, Bulath hapaya.

(Bulath hapaya)
hapaya) *Max. size-6.0 cm TL (male), 6.7 cm TL (female)
*Climate-Tropical; 22 - 26°C.
*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5
*Distribution-Restricted to forest streams from the
Kelani to the Nilwala basins. Introduced to
Mahaweli at Ginigathena.
*Biology-Inhabits clear, cool, shady streams in forested areas,
on gravel or sand substrate. Sometimes found in pools
of quiet water in the margins of clear streams and rivers .
Bred in captivity. Spawns in shallow water among
marginal weeds. Eggs (>100) hatch in 1-2 days; fry
are free-swimming after 24 h.. Feeds mainly on filamentous
algae and detritus. Males brightly colored and with darker
fins. Popular aquarium fish .

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 *Comment-Significant decrease in number of 10. Puntius nigrofasciatus (Bulath
more colorful varieties due to the aquarium export trade. hapaya)
hapaya)

Puntius nigrofasciatus (Bulath hapaya)

hapaya)

P. nigrofasciatus.

21. Puntius pleurotaenia. (Bleeker,1863) Puntius pleurotaenia

(Hitha massa)
massa)
Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order-Cypriniformes. (carps)
Sub order-Cyprinoidei.
Family-Cyprinidae. (Minnows or carps)
Sub family-Cyprininae.
Genus- Puntius
Species- Puntius pleurotaenia.

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 *Common names-Black lined barb, Hitha massa,Side striped barb. Puntius pleurotaenia (Hitha massa)
massa)
*Max. size-16.0 cm TL (male/unsexed)
*Climate-Tropical; 22 - 26°C.
*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5.
*Distribution-Restricted to the lower south western hills
of the central massif, within the catchments of the
Kelani and Nilwala Rivers.
*Biology- Tends to form small shoals. More abundant in
the larger, clearwater, undisturbed, deep (>1m),
heavily shaded streams. Stays in the middle of the water
column .Feeds on filamentous algae, terrestrial insects and
detritus. No observations on breeding in captivity. Maturity
at 6.4 cm. Does well at 29°C water temperature. Exploited
by the tropical fish export trade, larger specimens are eaten .

11. Puntius pleurotaenia (Hitha massa)

massa) 22. Puntius srilankensis.(Senanayake,!985).

Class- Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).
Order-Cypriniformes (carps).
Sub order-Cyprinoidei.
Family-Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps) .
Sub family-Cyprinae.
Genus- Puntius
Species- Puntius srilankensis.

Puntius srilankensis
*Common names- Blotched filamented barb, Dankudu pethiya.
(Lay titaya)
titaya) *Max. size- 10.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).
*Climate-Tropical.
*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater.
*Distribution-restricted to the eastern slopes of the
Knuckles Hills in the Kalu River at Pallegama, Sri Lanka
at elevations of 300-500 m.
*Biology-A mid-water fish found in areas of rapidly flowing
water with pebbly substrate (not found in silty substrate).
With a clearly defined territory (of several square meters) and
without lateral spatial preferences. Individuals of the same size
often form loose schools.

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 *Comments-
§ Very rare and the only known existing
12. Puntius srilankensis (Lay titaya)
titaya)
population is in imminent danger of extinction due
to the siltation of the Kalu caused by gem mining
upstream.
§ Presently not available in sufficient numbers to be
exported by the aquarium trade.
§ Very rare and in imminent danger of extinction. Deforestation
and siltation caused by upstream mining pose threats to the
population .

23. Puntius titteya. (Deraniyagala, 1929)

12. Puntius srilankensis (Lay titaya)
titaya)

Class- Teleostomi.
Sub class- Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).
Order- Cypriniformes (carps)
Family-Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Sub family-Cyprininae.
Genus- Puntius
Species- Puntius titteya.

Puntius titteya *Common name- Cherry barb, Lay titteya.

(Lay titteya)
titteya) *Max.size- 5.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).
*Climate-Tropical; 23 - 27°C.
*Environment- Benthopelagic; freshwater;
pH range: 6.0 - 8.0.
*Distribution- Found only in the low-country wet
zone up to elevations of about 300 m, from the Kelani
to the Nilwala basins.
*Biology-Occurs mainly in heavily shaded streams and rivulets,
preferring shallow, slow-flowing water with silt substrate and
leaf debris. Omnivorous, the gut containing detritus, green algae,
diatoms, diptera and animal matter. About 200 eggs are scattered
among marginal plants. Young hatch in 1-2 days and are
free-swimming after 48 hours.

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*Comments-
§ The more colorful varieties are possibly being 13. Puntius titteya (Lay titteya)
over fished for the aquarium trade.
§ Pollution of streams and deforestation probably pose
bigger threats.

Puntius titteya (Lay titteya)

Puntius titteya.

24. Rasbora vaterifloris. (Deraniyagala, 1930) Rasbora vaterifloris

(Hal mal dandiya)
dandiya)

Class- Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).
Order-Cypriniformes (carps).
Sub order-Cyprinoidei.
Family-Cyprinidae. (Minnows or carps).
Sub family-Rasborinae.
Genus- Rasbora
Species- Rasbora vaterifloris.

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 *Common names- Golden rasbora, Hal mal dandiya, Veteria
14 Rasbora vaterifloris (Hal mal
flower rasbora. dandiya)
dandiya)
*Max. size-4.0 cm TL (male/unsexed)
*Climate-Tropical; 25 - 29°C.
*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.0 - 6.0 .
*Distribution-Found only in the middle catchment area of Kalu to
Nilwala basins.
*Biology-Occurs in shallow, cool, clear, quiet, heavily shaded
forest streams, usually with a silty substrate and often in areas
with a large amount of leaf debris in the water. Feeds on
terrestrial insects (Diptera and Coleoptera,) and detritus.
Males slimmer and brightly colored than females.
*Comment- Threatened by over fishing for aquarium trade,
deforestation and pollution.

R. vaterifloris. 25. Rasbora wilpita.(Kottelat & Pethiyagoda, 1991).

Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order- Cypriniformes(carps).
Sub order- Cyprinoidei.
Family- Cyprinidae. (Minnows or carps)
Sub family-Rasborinae.
Genus- Rasbora
Species- Rasbora wilpita

14. Rasbora wilpita (Wilpita

*Common name-Wilpita rasbora.
*Max. size-7.2 cm SL (male/unsexed). dandiya)
dandiya)
*Climate-Tropical.
*Environment- Benthopelagic; freshwater.
*Distribution-Known only from a small stream in Wilpita.
*Biology- Inhabits shallow, slow-flowing, heavily shaded streams .
*Comments-That stream is under threat due to deforestation.
Presently only about 700 m of the stream left more or less
undisturbed. Considered an endangered species .

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 26. Schismatogobius deraniyagala. (Kottelat & Schismatogobius deraniyagalai
Pethiyagoda, 1989). (Redneck goby)

Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) .
Order-Perciformes (perch-likes).
Sub order-Gobioidei.
Family-Gobiidae.
Genus- Schismatogobius
Species- Schismatogobius deraniyagala.

Common name – Redneck goby.

Max. size - 4.5 cm TL (male/unsexed). Schismatogobius deraniyagalai
Climate - Tropical; 22 - 27°C; 8°N - 7°N.
Environment – Demersal; freshwater ; depth range 0 - 1 m.
(Redneck goby)
Distribution - Asia: We River (Kelani basin), about 5 km
upstream of the Kelani and Yatiyantota junction, Sri Lanka.
Also in a tributary of the Gin River in the Kanneliya Forest
Reserve. Philippines, Australia and India.
Biology - Found in shallow areas of rivers with sandy, coarse
sand or gravel substrate in which it buries itself when
disturbed. Usually occur in big groups. Insectivore. Has
been bred in captivity at an experimental level, but with a
larval mortality of 100%.

27. Schistura notostigma. ( Bleeker, 1863) Schistura notostigma

(Kandu ehirava)
ehirava)
Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).
Order-Cypriniformes (carps) .
Sub order-Cyprinoidei.
Family-Balitoridae (River loaches).
Sub family-Nemacheilinae.
Genus- Schistura
Species- Schistura notostigma.

24
*Common names- Banded mountain loach,Kandu ehirava.
*Max. size- 8.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).
Schistura notostigma (Kandu ehirava)
ehirava)
*Climate- Tropical; 22 - 24°C.
*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0.
*Distribution- Fairly common (chances are about 50%).
*Biology- Found usually browsing among pebbles in shallow,
flowing water. Can ascend steep inclines and also occurs in
even the highest mountain streams.

28. Sicypterus halei. (Day, 1888). Sicyopterus halei

(Red tailed goby)

Class- Teleostomi.
Sub class- Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) .
Order- Perciformes (perch-likes) .
Sub order-Gobioidei.
Family-Gobiidae. (Gobies) .
Genus- Sicypterus
Species- Sicypterus halei.

*Common name- Red tailed goby.

*Max. size- 8.0 cm TL (male/unsexed ). Sicyopterus halei (Red tailed goby)
*Climate- Tropical.
*Environment-Demersal; amphidromous; freshwater .
*Distribution- Collected from rocky pools in Kuruwita and the
middle reaches of the Sitawaka River, upstream of Karawanella.
Also recorded from the Kanneliya Forest Reserve (Gin basin).
*Biology-Inhabits deep, clear, cool pools with flowing water and
a rocky substrate. It occurs mainly in the faster flowing parts of
streams. Young feeds on fly larvae and other small, rock
clinging insects. Adult grazes on algae. Possibly amphidromous .
*Comment-Population is under threat due to dowstream
impoundment and siltation.

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 29. Sicyopus jonklaasi. (Klausewitz & Henrich,
Sicyopterus halei (Red tailed goby) 1986).

Class-Teleostomi.
Sub class- Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).
Order- Perciformes (perch-likes).
Sub order- Gobiodei.
Family-Gobiidae.
Genus- Sicyopus
Species- Sicyopus jonklaasi.

Sicyopus jonklaasi *Common name- Lipstick goby.

*Max. size- 4.5 cm TL (male/unsexed ).
(Lipstick goby) *Climate- Tropical; 23 - 25°C.
*Environment- Benthopelagic; amphidromous; freshwater;
brackish; marine; pH range: 7.0; depth range 0 - 2 m .
*Distribution- Known from Atweltota (in the middle catchment
of the Kalu River), Sitawaka (Kelani basin) and Kuru River at
Eratne (Kalu basin) and the Opatha River at Opatha
(Nilwala basin).
*Biology-Found in rocky mid-hill streams with fast flowing water.
Adheres to the sides of submerged rock through sucking discs.
Occurs usually in water 50-150 cm deep. Carnivore. Sudden,
heavy rainfall with an accompanying drop in water temperature
induces spawning, usually in a cavity excavated in sand in the
shelter of a stone. Eggs hatch in the event of another heavy rainfall.
Larvae are swept downriver to the sea, mature adults migrate
upstream
to spawning grounds. Possibly amphidromous .
*Comment-Population is under threat due to downstream impoundment .

Sicyopus jonklaasi (Lipstick goby)

Sicyopus jonklaasi (Lipstick goby)

26
Threatened to endemic fish biodiversity- Reference-

1. Large scale habitat alteration & deforestation. 1 .http//www.fishbase.com.

2. Over harvesting for ornamental fish trade & human 2. MUNRO, I.S.R. 1955. The marine and freshwater fishes of
consumption. Ceylon, Dept. External affairs, Canbara, Australia.
3.Use of pesticide in agriculture purposes. 3. Pethiyagoda, R. 1991. Fresh water fishes of Sri Lanka. Wildlife
4.Drainage & filling of wetlands for urbanization. Heritage Trust of Sri Lanka, Colombo.
5.Distractive fishing methods. 4. Protected fresh water fishes of Sri Lanka.(2001),National science
6.Pollution & conversion of wild lands to agriculture & urban foundation, Sri Lanka.
development. 5.Sujan Madurange H.G.(2003),Endemic fishes of Sri Lanka.Dept.
7.Introduced exotic species. of National Zoology,Dehiwala.

Prepared by,
KOLITHA KAMAL

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