83640097

Ornamental Fishes of
Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats of India
the Western Ghats of India

T.V.Anna Mercy, A.Gopalakrishnan,
D.Kapoor & W.S. Lakra
Hkkd`vuqi
ICAR
jk"Vªh; eRL; vkuqoaf'kd lalk/ku C;wjks

National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources
Physical landscape of India showing the Western Ghats
Peninsular India showing major physiographic divisions
24o
Orissa
Maharashtra 20o
Mumbai
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Vishakhapatnam
es
A R A B
ad
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16o
dh
atak
B AY
An
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I A N
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Chennai
S E A
Pondichery
12o
Kerala
Tamil Nadu
Cochin INDIA
Cape Comorin 8o
72o E 76o 80o 84o 88o
West coastal plains East coastal plains

Deccan
Western ghats Eastern hills
RIVERS OF KERALA
(Part of the Western Ghats exhibiting high levels of fish diversity and endemism)
T.V.Anna Mercy, A.Gopalakrishnan,

D.Kapoor & W.S. Lakra
ICAR

Lucknow-226 002, UP, India
Dr. T.V. Anna Mercy is a renowned specialist on ornamental fishes. She has done pioneering work on the
ornamental fishes of the Western Ghats of India. She developed captive breeding technology for a number
of species. Dr. Mercy is currently serving in the Faculty of Fisheries, Kerala Agricultural University, India.
She secured her doctorate degree from the University of Kerala in 1982. She has to her credit several
scientific and popular publications besides a book on Aquarium keeping. She presented papers on
indigenous ornamental fishes in several international conferences such as W orld Aquaculture Society,
Brazil (2003); Aquarama, Singapore (2003); CIRFA, Guangzhou, China (2004); Asian Fisheries Forum,
Penang, Malaysia (2004). She has organized several training programmes with a view to popularizing
ornamental fishes and aquarium keeping in India.
Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan , Senior Scientist possesses 18 years of research experience in the field of
genetic characterization and gene banking of Indian teleosts. He initiated his career as a scientist in 1989.
Currently working on molecular genetic markers and systematics in fish, he is stationed in the Cochin Unit
of National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR). He wassuccessful in developing a database
of endemic fish diversity of the Western Ghats. Dr. Gopalakrishnan received his Ph.D. from Cochin
University of Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerala and had undergone specialized training in molecular
population genetics in Queensland University ofTechnology (QUT), Brisbane,Australia. He has published
41 papers and was in the editorial board of 4 books.
Dr. D. Kapoor, Principal Scientist at National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) Lucknow is a
well known fish biologist and widely known for his scientific contributions in the field of database development
on Indian finfishes. He possesses 37 years of research experience in the Central Inland Fisheries
Research Institute (CIFRI) and National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow. He has
published 40 scientific and popular publications besides 3 books.
Dr. W.S. Lakra is a leading fish geneticist and biotechnologist and currently working as Director, National
Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow. He has published over 100 research papers and 20 books
and bulletins. He has travelled widely both nationally and internationally as an invited speaker and fisheries
expert and contributed immensely to the development of international linkages and programs in the areas
of fish genetics, biodiversity and biotechnology.
Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats of India

ISBN : 81-902951-8-7
First Published March, 2007; 235 pages.
Published by
The Director
National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Canal Ring Road, Lucknow-226002, U.P., India
By
T.V. Anna Mercy
College of Fisheries, Kerala Agricultural University
Panangad, Cochin-682 506, Kerala, India. Email: annamercy2002@yahoo.co.in
A. Gopalakrishnan
National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Cochin Unit
CMFRI Campus, P .B. No.1603, Cochin-682018, Kerala, India.
Email: nbfgrcochin@eth.net, agopalkochi@rediffmail.com
D. Kapoor
National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow, UP, India
W.S. Lakra
National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow, UP, India
Design: Biju S. Karthikappally, Star Net Com , Ernakulam, Cochin-682 018, Kerala
National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, 2007.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or
by any means without prior written permission of the publisher.
Cover Photo : Puntius denisonii , ornamental fish, endemic to the Western Ghats.
(Photograph courtesy : Tropical Fish Hobbyist)
vi Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats, India – Anna Mercy, Gopalakrishnan, Kapoor & Lakra
Ornamental fish endemic to the Western Ghats, Kerala, India
Puntius denisonii (Day)
Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats, India – Anna Mercy, Gopalakrishnan, Kapoor & Lakra vii
viii Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats, India – Anna Mercy, Gopalakrishnan, Kapoor & Lakra
Foreword
B iodiversity conservation necessitated knowledge on

the diversity of animals and plants, their distribution,
biology, abundance and status. The Western Ghats of
India with a variety of vegetation types, climatic zones
and remarkable endemism is considered to be one of the
34 ‘hotspot’ areas of the world for biodiversity conservation. The region is also
endowed with a variety of brilliantly coloured ornamental fishes. There is an
immense scope for international trade of these living jewels from the region,
but the technology of breeding and farming of several endemic ornamental
species are yet to be developed at commercial level. Recently, the College of
Fisheries, Kochi, Kerala in collaboration with the National Bureau of Fish
Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow has made remarkable achievements in
breeding and larval rearing of 15 native ornamental fishes of the Western Ghats.
However, to cope up with the requirement of the steadily growing international
trade, breeding and rearing techniques of more species to be developed or
commercial level in order to ensure an constant supply of the species. This
requires knowledge on their taxonomy, food and feeding and reproduction that
are unknown for most of the native species.
The present compilation is a concerted effort to address some of the above
aspects. This is the first ever attempt to document the ornamental fish re-
sources from the Western Ghats - the very rich biodiversity region of the
world. I am sure that this book will be of immense advantage to ornamental
fish lovers. Drs. Anna Mercy, A. Gopalakrishnan, D. Kapoor and W.S. lakra
deserve all appreciation for bringing out this excellent publication for the use
of planners, resource managers, researchers and aquarium hobbyists.
S. Ayyappan
Deputy Director General (Fisheries)
Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats, India – Anna Mercy, Gopalakrishnan, Kapoor & Lakra ix
x Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats, India – Anna Mercy, Gopalakrishnan, Kapoor & Lakra
Preface
I ndia is blessed with a rich diversity of freshwater fishes both in the

Western Ghats and North Eastern Hills. The Western Ghats of India is one
of the 34 - biodiversity ‘hotspot’ areas of the world. The rate of endemism is
well reflected in the case of lower vertebrates especially with regard to fishes.
Of the 300 species of freshwater fishes in the Western Ghats, 155 are
considered ornamental fishes, of which 117 are endemic to the Western Ghats
(Gopalakrishnan & Ponniah, 2000). At present, only a small fraction of the
endemic fish diversity is utilized in ornamental fish trade.
All the ornamental fishes marketed in India are exotic. Eventhough there
are quite a lot of indigenous fishes, having high potential as ornamental
fishes, they have not been properly exploited. The fish fauna of the Western
Ghats include variety of barbs, rasboras, killifishes, glassfishes, catfishes,
catopra, hill trouts, and danios, which are ideal candidates for ornamental
fish industry. They are exceptionally beautiful with a wide variety of bands,
blotches, spots, and colourful fins on their body. In spite of the fact that
the Western Ghats of India is a gold mine of endemic freshwater fishes
suitable for the ornamental fish trade, no concerted efforts have so far been
undertaken for the development of sustainable market for these resources.
Lack of scientific information on these native aquatic fauna is the main
reason for the poor performance of this sector.
In view of the tremendous significance of these indigenous ornamental fishes
in the international ornamental fish market, a database on these valuable
biodiversity is very essential. The yearning aquarium hobbyists have no
reliable source of information on this rich resource, as there is no publication
on this subject in India. This book is aimed at helping the ornamental fish
hobbyists, breeders, farmers, traders, exporters, students and researchers to get
an insight into the various indigenous ornamental fishes in our country, their
aquarium requirements, food and feeding habits under captivity and their
behaviour in aquarium conditions. Sincere efforts have been made to provide
reliable data and latest information on the above aspects in this publication.
Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats, India – Anna Mercy, Gopalakrishnan, Kapoor & Lakra xi
We look forward for suggestions and constructive criticism from our
enlightened readers for further improvement of this publication. It is hoped that
this book will provide basic information on the indigenous ornamental fishes
of the Western Ghats of India and offer better inputs for scientific management
and utilization of the resources on a long term and sustainable basis.
The authors wish to place on record their deep sense of gratitude to the
College of Fisheries and Kerala Agricultural University for the necessary
support. This book would not have been brought out in this form without
the hard work of the Senior Research Fellow, Mr. Eapen Jacob. We are also
thankful to Dr. A. G. Ponniah, former Director, NBFGR for his constant
encouragement. The help rendered by Dr. C.P. Shaji, Kerala Forest Research
Institute (KFRI), Peechi; Mr. V.S.Basheer, NBFGR, Cochin Unit; Ms P.R.
Divya, Scientist NBFGR; Dr. Mukund Goswami, NBFGR and
Dr. K.M. Mathew, College of Fisheries is also gratefully acknowledged.
Illustrations adapted from different sources are gratefully acknowledged.
We are deeply indebted to Mr. Biju S. Karthikappally, Star Net Com, Cochin,
Kerala for the layout and graphics.
T. V. Anna Mercy
A. Gopalakrishnan
D. Kapoor
W.S. Lakra
xii Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats, India – Anna Mercy, Gopalakrishnan, Kapoor & Lakra
Contents
Foreword .............................................................................................. vii
Preface .................................................................................................. ix
Introduction ......................................................................................... 01
Family: Notopteridae 13
Notopterus notopterus (Pallas) ................................................................ 14
Family: Anguillidae 16
Anguilla bengalensis bengalensis (Gray & Hardwicke) ........................... 17
Anguilla bicolor bicolor Mc Clelland .................................................... 18
Family: Clupeidae 20
Dayella malabarica (Day) ..................................................................... 21
Family: Cyprinidae 22
Salmostoma boopis (Day) ..................................................................... 23
Salmostoma horai (Silas) ...................................................................... 24
Barilius bakeri Day ............................................................................... 25
Barilius gatensis (Valenciennes) ............................................................. 26
Barilius canarensis (Jerdon) .................................................................. 28
Barilius evezardi Day ............................................................................ 29
Chela (Neochela) dadyburjori (Menon) .................................................. 30
Chela fasciata Silas ............................................................................. 32
Chela laubuca (Hamilton-Buchanan) ....................................................... 34
Esomus thermoicos (Valenciennes) ......................................................... 36
Esomus barbalus (Jerdon) ...................................................................... 37
Esomus danricus (Hamilton-Buchanan) ................................................... 38
Danio malabaricus (Jerdon) .................................................................. 40
Danio neilgherriensis (Day) .................................................................. 42
Danio fraseri Hora & Mukerji ............................................................... 43
Danio aequipinnatus (McClelland) ......................................................... 44
Brachydanio rerio (Hamilton-Buchanan) ................................................. 46
Horadandia atukorali brittani Deraniyagala ........................................... 48
Rasbora caverii (Jerdon) ........................................................................ 49
Rasbora labiosa Mukerji ....................................................................... 50
Rasbora daniconius (Hamilton-Buchanan) ............................................... 51
Amblypharyngodon chakaiensis Babu & Nair ........................................ 52
Amblypharyngodon melettinus (Valenciennes) ........................................ 52
Amblypharyngodon microlepis (Bleeker) ................................................ 53
Amblypharyngodon mola (Hamilton-Buchanan) ...................................... 54
Neolissochilus wynaadensis (Day) .......................................................... 55
Osteobrama bakeri (Day) ...................................................................... 56
Osteobrama vigorsii (Sykes) .................................................................. 57
Rohtee ogilbii Sykes ............................................................................. 58
Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats, India – Anna Mercy, Gopalakrishnan, Kapoor & Lakra xiii
Puntius amphibius (Valenciennes) .......................................................... 59
Puntius arulius arulius (Jerdon) ............................................................. 61
Puntius arulius tambraparniei Silas ....................................................... 63
Puntius exclamatio Pethiyagoda & Kottelat ............................................. 64
Puntius bimaculatus (Bleeker) ............................................................... 65
Puntius chola (Hamilton-Buchanan) ........................................................ 67
Puntius conchonius (Hamilton-Buchanan) ............................................... 68
Puntius denisonii (Day) ........................................................................ 70
Punitus fasciatus (Jerdon) ...................................................................... 72
Puntius filamentosus (Valenciennes) ...................................................... 74
Puntius pookodensis Anna Mercy & Eapen Jacob ................................... 77
Puntius jerdoni (Day) ............................................................................ 78
Puntius melanostigma (Day) ................................................................. 80
Puntius narayani (Hora) ....................................................................... 82
Puntius fraseri (Hora & Misra) .............................................................. 83
Puntius nigrofasciatus (Gunther) ............................................................ 84
Puntius ophicephalus (Raj) .................................................................... 85
Puntius sahyadriensis Silas .................................................................... 86
Puntius sarana subnasutus (Valenciennes) ............................................. 87
Puntius ticto (Hamilton-Buchanan) ......................................................... 89
Puntius sophore (Hamilton-Buchanan) .................................................... 91
Puntius vittatus Day .............................................................................. 92
Gonoproktopterus curmuca (Hamilton-Buchanan) .................................... 94
Gonoproktopterus kolus (Sykes) ............................................................ 96
Gonoproktopterus thomassi (Day) .......................................................... 97
Osteochilus (Osteochilichthys) nashii (Day) ............................................ 98
Labeo nigrescens Day ........................................................................... 100
Labeo potail (Sykes) ............................................................................ 101
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton-Buchanan) ...................................................... 102
Lepidopygopsis typus Raj ...................................................................... 103
Garra gotyla stenorhynchus (Jerdon) ..................................................... 104
Garra hughi Silas ................................................................................. 106
Garra mullya (Sykes) ........................................................................... 107
Garra surendranathanii Shaji, Arun & Easa .......................................... 108
Family: Balitoridae 110
Bhavania australis (Jerdon) .................................................................. 111
Homaloptera montana Herre ................................................................ 112
Travancoria elongata Pethiyagoda & Kottelat ........................................ 113
Travancoria jonesi Hora ..................................................................... 115
Acanthocobitis moreh (Sykes) .............................................................. 116
Nemacheilus anguilla Annandale ........................................................... 117
Nemacheilus monilis Hora .................................................................... 118
Schistura denisoni denisoni (Hora) ....................................................... 120
Schistura nilgiriensis (Menon) .............................................................. 122
Schistura semiarmatus (Day) ................................................................ 124
Longischistura striata (Day) .................................................................. 126
xiv Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats, India – Anna Mercy, Gopalakrishnan, Kapoor & Lakra
Mesonemacheilus guentheri (Day) ......................................................... 127
Mesonemacheilus herrei Nalbant & Banarescu ....................................... 128
Mesonemacheilus petrubanarescui (Menon) ........................................... 128
Mesonemacheilus pulchellus (Day) ........................................................ 129
Mesonemacheilus triangularis (Day) ...................................................... 130
Mesonemacheilus remadevii Shaji ......................................................... 132
Mesonemacheilus menoni (Minimol & Zacharias) .................................. 132
Nemacheilichthys ruppelli (Sykes) ......................................................... 133
Oreonectes evezardi (Day) .................................................................... 134
Oreonectes keralensis Rita & Nalbant .................................................... 135
Family: Cobitidae 136
Lepidocephalus thermalis (Valenciennes) ............................................... 137
Lepidocephalichthys guntea (Hamilton-Buchanan) ................................... 139
Botia striata Rao ................................................................................. 141
Pangio goaensis (Tilak) ........................................................................ 142
Pangio bashai Easa & Shaji .................................................................. 142
Family: Bagridae 143
Horabagrus brachysoma (Gunther) ........................................................ 144
Horabagrus nigricollaris Pethiyagoda & Kottelat .................................... 145
Mystus vittatus (Bloch) ......................................................................... 146
Mystus oculatus (Valenciennes) ............................................................. 147
Batasio travancoria Hora & Law ......................................................... 148
Family: Sisoridae 149
Glyptothorax anamalaiensis Silas ......................................................... 150
Glyptothorax lonah (Sykes) .................................................................. 151
Glyptothorax housei Herre .................................................................. 153
Glyoptothorax trewavasae Hora ........................................................... 154
Glyptothorax madraspatanum (Day) ..................................................... 155
Nangra itchkeea (Sykes) ...................................................................... 156
Family: Siluridae 157
Ompok malabaricus (Valenciennes) ...................................................... 158
Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch) ................................................................. 159
Family: Schilbeidae 160
Pseudeutropius mitchelli Gunther .......................................................... 161
Family: Pangasiidae 162
Pangasius pangasius (Hamilton-Buchanan) ............................................. 163
Family: Mugilidae 164
Rhinomugil corsula (Hamilton-Buchanan) .............................................. 165
Family: Oryziidae 166
Oryzias dancena (Hamilton) ................................................................. 167
Family: Horaichthyidae 168
Horaichthys setnai Kulkarni ................................................................ 169
Family: Belonidae 170
Xenentodon cancila (Hamilton- Buchanan) ............................................ 171
Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats, India – Anna Mercy, Gopalakrishnan, Kapoor & Lakra xv
Family: Hemiramphidae 172
Hyporhamphus xanthopterus (Valenciennes) .......................................... 173
Hyporhamphus limbatus (Valenciennes) ............................................... 174
Family: Aplocheilidae 175
Aplocheilus blocki (Arnold) .................................................................. 176
Aplocheilus parvus (Raj) ....................................................................... 176
Aplocheilus lineatus (Valenciennes) ...................................................... 177
Family: Syngnathidae 178
Microphis cuncalus (Hamilton–Buchanan) .............................................. 179
Family: Synbranchidae 180
Ophisternon bengalense McClelland ...................................................... 181
Family: Mastacembelidae 182
Macrognathus guentheri (Day) .............................................................. 183
Macrognathus aral (Bloch & Schneider) ................................................ 184
Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede) ....................................................... 185
Family: Ambassidae 186
Parambassis dayi (Bleeker) .................................................................. 187
Parambassis thomassi (Day) ................................................................. 188
Parambassis ranga (Hamilton-Buchanan) ............................................... 189
Family: Lutjanidae 190
Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Forskal) ...................................................... 191
Lutjanus kasmira (Forskal) .................................................................. 192
Family: Nandidae 193
Nandus nandus (Hamilton-Buchanan) ................................................... 194
Prisolepis marginata Jerdon ................................................................. 195
Pristolepis fasciata (Bleeker) ................................................................. 198
Family: Teraponidae 199
Therapon jarbua (Forskal) ................................................................... 200
Family: Cichlidae 201
Etroplus suratensis (Bloch) ................................................................... 202
Etroplus maculatus (Bloch) ................................................................... 204
Etroplus canarensis Day ....................................................................... 205
Family: Scatophagidae 206
Scatophagus argus (Linnaeus) ............................................................... 207
Family: Gobiidae 209
Sicyopterus griseus (Day) ...................................................................... 210
Awaous gutum (Hamilton-Buchanan) ..................................................... 211
Glossogobius giuris giuris (Hamilton-Buchanan) ...................................... 212
Family: Belontiidae 213
Pseudosphromenus (Macropodus) cupanus dayi (Engmann) ................... 214
Pseudosphromenus cupanus (Valenciennes) ........................................... 215
xvi Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats, India – Anna Mercy, Gopalakrishnan, Kapoor & Lakra
Family: Channidae 216
Channa micropeltes (Cuvier) ................................................................ 217
Channa marulius (Hamilton-Buchanan) ................................................. 219
Channa striatus (Bloch) ...................................................................... 221
Family: Cynoglossidae 222
Cynoglossus macrostomus Norman ........................................................ 223
Family: Soleidae 224
Euryglossa orientalis (Bloch & Schneider) ............................................. 225
Family: Tetraodontidae 226
Tetraodon travancoricus Hora & Nair ................................................... 227
Carinotetraodon imitator Britz & Kottelat ............................................. 229
Chelonodon patoca (Hamilton-Buchanan) .............................................. 230
References ........................................................................... 231
Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats, India – Anna Mercy, Gopalakrishnan, Kapoor & Lakra xvii
xviii Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats, India – Anna Mercy, Gopalakrishnan, Kapoor & Lakra
Introduction
O rnamental fishes are the most popular pets of the world and aquarium
keeping is the second largest hobby, next to photography. Tropical fishes
have always attracted ornamental fish hobbyists. India, being a tropical country,
has tremendous potential of ornamental fishes in the Western Ghats and North
Eastern Hills. The mountains along the west coast of peninsular India, the
Western Ghats constitute one of the unique biological regions of the world. The
mountain ranges extend from the Southern tip of the Indian peninsula (80N) to
northwards, about 1600 Km, upto the mouth of river Tapti (210N). They rise to
an average altitude between 900 and 1600m above mean sea level, intercepting
monsoon winds from the south-west and creating a rain shadow zone in the
region to their east. This region receives an annual rainfall ranging from 1000 to
over 6000mm. The varied climate and diverse topography create a wide array of
habitats that support unique sets of plant and animal species. The level of
biodiversity and endemism is very high and the region is considered one of the
world’s 34 ‘biodiversity hotspots’. From the Western Ghats arise numerous west-
flowing drainages, which are rather small rivers. The richest expression of
diversity, abundance and endemism of freshwater fish fauna is found in these
rivers. Major east flowing rivers like Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery also originate
from the Western Ghats.
Of the 630 and odd species considered as belonging to the freshwaters of India,
nearly 300 teleosts are reported from the Western Ghats. Of these nearly 68% are
endemic to the region (Gopalakrishnan and Ponniah 2000). These include
cultivable native fishes such as Labeo dussumieri, L. fimbriatus, Tor khudree, T.
mussullah, Gonoproktopterus curmuca, Barbodes carnaticus and several brilliantly
coloured, attractive ornamental fishes such as Puntius denisonii, P. jerdoni, P.
arulius tambraparnei, Osteobrama bakeri, Tetraodon travancoricus and
Horabagrus brachysoma. Fishes dwelling in underground springs and caves are
colourless and blind. Although such extremes are rare in India, in the Western
Ghats, we have two blind cat fishes - Horaglanis krishnai and H. alikunhii - in
the wells of Kerala.
History of Ichthyology of the Western Ghats of India

Eventhough there are a series of publications on the inventory of freshwater fish
fauna of Peninsular India (Day 1865,1878; Pillay 1929; Kulkarni 1940; Raj 1941;
Hora and Law 1941; Hora 1942; Hora & Silas 1952; Silas 1950, 1951a,b 1952,
1953a,b, 1958, 1959; Talwar and Jhingran 1991; Kowtal 1994; Chakraborty 1996;
Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats, India – Anna Mercy, Gopalakrishnan, Kapoor & Lakra 1
Gopi 1996; Shaji et al., 1996; Arun 1997; Jayaram 1999) a consolidated list of
freshwater fishes of the Western Ghats, with emphasis on the endemic species,
became available only in the year 2000, (Gopalakrishnan and Ponniah, 2000) in
their publication “Endemic Fish Diversity of the Western Ghats”. This book also
contained state-wise list of freshwater fishes prepared by various authors. Gopi
(2000) listed out 165 species from Kerala. Rema Devi and Indra enlisted the
species diversity of Tamil Nadu as 144. The same for Maharashtra was prepared
by Acharaya and Iftekhar (2000) and for Karnataka by Chandrashekhariah et al.
(2000). Some authors have highlighted potential ornamental species from selected
streams and rivers from different states [Rengit Daniels and Ouseph (2000),
Arunachalam et al. (2000), Shaji and Easa (2000)] and their export potential
(Sane 2000). Dayal and Kapoor (2000) pointed out the lack of information on the
biology of several native ornamental species of the Western Ghats.
The Conservation Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) workshop was
conducted from 22_26 September 1997 in Lucknow hosted by the National Bureau
of Fish Genetic Resources and Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Govt. of
India in collaboration with the Zoo Outreach Organisation (ZOO), Coimbatore,
Tamil Nadu to assess the conservation status of Indian freshwater fishes,
according to the latest IUCN criteria, under the Biodiversity Conservation
Prioritisation Project (BCPP). The status of 327 species were assessed which,
Blind catfish Horaglanis alikunhii (Photograph courtesy : Dr. Subash Babu)
2 Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats, India – Anna Mercy, Gopalakrishnan, Kapoor & Lakra
included 92 species from the Western Ghats. They are categorized into six that
reflect various degrees of threat. They are:
Extinct (EX): A taxon is extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last
individual has died. A taxon is presumed extinct when exhaustive surveys in
known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, annual),
throughout its historic range have failed to record an individual. Surveys should
be over a time frame appropriate to the taxon’s life cycle and life form.
Extinct in the Wild (EW): A taxon is extinct in the wild when it is known only
to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population (or
populations) well outside the past range. A taxon is presumed Extinct in the wild
when exhaustive surveys in known and /or expected habitat, at appropriate times
(diurnal, seasonal, annual), throughout its historic range have failed to record an
individual. Surveys should be over a time frame appropriate to the taxon’s life
cycle and life form.
Critically Endangered (CR): A taxon is critically endangered when the best
available evidence indicates that it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction
in the wild in the immediate future as defined by the criteria.
Step-pool reach: This habitat is formed by the accumulation of boulders and logs that form
a series of steps alternating with pools containing finer substrata.
Endangered (EN): A taxon is endangered when the best available evidence
indicates that it meets any of the criteria for endangered. It is not critically
endangered but facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future
as defined by the criteria (For criteria, refer CAMP Proceedings (Anon. 1998).
Vulnerable (VU): A taxon is vulnerable when the best available evidence
indicates that it is not critically endangered or endangered but is facing a high
risk of extinction in the wild in the medium term future as defined by the
criteria.
Lower Risk-near Threatened (LRnt): A taxon is lower risk-near threatened
when it has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is
likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
Lower Risk-least Concern (LRlc): A taxon is Lower Risk-Least Concern when it
has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically
endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened. Wide spread and
abundant taxa are included in this category.
Cascade Reach (River Pampa, Kerala): Cascade reach is characteristic of steepest alluvial
channel. A few small pools may be present but majority of flowing water tumble over and
around boulders and large woody debris.
Data Deficient (DD): A taxon is data deficient when there is inadequate
information to make a direct or indirect assessment of its risk of extinction based
on its distribution and/or population status. A taxon in this category may be well
studied, and its biology well known, but appropriate data on abundance and/or
distribution are lacking. Data Deficient is therefore, not a category of threat.
Not Evaluated (NE): a taxon is not evaluated when it has not yet been assessed
against the criteria.
In all the publications mentioned above, the list of ornamental fishes was
prepared based only on bright coloration and appearance. But, information on the
desirable qualities of ornamental fishes is essential for popularizing them in the
global market and avoiding the collection of non-desirable fishes from the wild.
In this book the results of the focussed, captive studies on the desirable qualities
of the indigenous ornamental fish, such as nature of acclimatization, hardiness,
compatibility, food and feeding habits, and their behaviour in an aquarium are
provided.
Pool-riffle reach (River Pampa, Kerala): The reach is characterised by the alternative riffles
and pools and is very prevalent type of reach in alluvial valley of low to moderate gradient.
The reach is most commonly associated with low to midsize streams.
Remarks on Zoogeography
Habitat is the principal determinant of biological potential of a stream and, as
such, can be used to predict biological conditions, particularly the presence and
abundance of fishes. Habitat ecology had become a major component of
biological research in western countries like U.S.A., Canada and many European
countries due to its immense application in natural resources conservation. But
investigations of the fishes of the fluvial systems of the Western Ghats of India
are mostly limited to mere descriptions of taxonomy or distributions and in a few
cases their biology, if they are commercially important (Arun 1997).
Freshwater habitats can be broadly classified as either ‘lotic’ (flowing) or ‘lentic
(still). Lotic ecosystems include perennial and intermittent streams, flowing springs
or seepages, artificial ditches and flumes. Lentic system contain two types of
standing waters which are commonly referred to as palustrine (marshes and
swamps) or ‘lacustrine’ (lakes, ponds and reservoirs). All of these major habitat
types are well represented in the Western Ghats and most of these are
populated by fishes. Within each of the main ecosystems, there is considerable
variation, depending on local factors such as terrestrial vegetation, climate and
human impact.
Pool-riffle reach (River Kanjirampuzha, Kerala)
Consequently, a stream ecosystem has to have a complex habitat structure to
maintain a healthy and diverse fish community. Based on the landscape of the
rivers of the Western Ghats and the valley through which the river is passing,
the ecosystem is classified into Colluvial, Alluvial and Bedrock type. Based on
the physical parameters such as channel pattern, channel confinement, gradient,
stream bed and bank materials, the stream reaches may be further classified into
the following categories. Cascade reach, Pool riffle reach, Braided reach, Regime
reach, Step-pool reach, Plane bed reach and Bedrock reach.
Fishes inhabiting a particular stretch or section of pond are finely tuned to their
surroundings. Their continued survival is dependent on the availability of
adequate food resources and shelter as well as the congenial conditions for
breeding.
Endemism and ‘Hotspots’

Endemism is a term commonly used by biogeographers (scientists who study the
geographic distribution of plants and animals) referring to an organism that is
Regime reach (Upstream of Bharathappuzha, Kerala) : This reach is very common in low
gradient meandering channels with predominantly sandy substrata. The reach is characterised
by low or negligible flow rates.
restricted to a particular area. The area may be extremely small, such as a single
lake, or extensive, for example, a particular river. Fishes that are endemic to
exceptionally limited areas are especially vulnerable to various threats, particularly
when close to human population centers. For this reason, they are of special
interest to conservationists. Regional and local endemism is also commonly used
to define conservation ‘hotspot’ areas that have a disproportionate number of
endemic species.
The freshwater fish fauna of the Western Ghats exhibits high degree of
endemism. Nearly 155 species of the Western Ghats are considered ornamental
of which, 117 are endemic to the region. Approximately 68 percent of the total
freshwater fishes are found exclusively in the Western Ghats.
Threatened species
Unfortunately, the Western Ghats have a great number of currently threatened
fishes (Table 1). Threats to the native freshwater fishes are numerous and
River in flood (River Kabani, Kerala)
widespread. The Western Ghats region, like other parts of the tropics, is
undergoing rapid transformation. The deforestation rate is high and forests are
being converted into agriculture and monoculture plantations. Hydroelectric
projects, mining and extraction of forest products are also altering the landscape.
The destruction of aquatic habitats, as well as reduction of ichthyofauna is
alarming in several regions of this unique ecosystem. Introduction of exotic
Chinese carps, Tilapia and African catfishes and non-native Indian major carps
and their gradual establishment in several water bodies in the Western Ghats
pose severe threat to endemic fishes of the region and hence many are now listed
endangered (Shaji et al., 2000). Other threats include the proliferation of barriers
and sand collection from the rivers, thereby inhibiting the natural spawning and
feeding migrations and thus reducing the suitable habitat. There has been very
little information about the ornamental value of the freshwater fish fauna of this
region. But, recent growth in the demand and export of these ornamental fishes
have been characterized by shortsighted, often unsustainable collection practices
of these fishes from the wild, resulting in the rapid decimation of wildlife habitat
and population of endemic species. This points out to the urgent need for
developing captive breeding technology for these species.
Bedrock reach (River Pampa)
Collection of ornamental fishes from River Pampa.
Captive breeding
Despite all these threats, the native fish fauna remains relatively intact and no
recent extinction has been recorded. The National Agricultural Technology Project
entitled ‘Germplasm inventory, evaluation and gene banking of freshwater fishes’
was implemented to investigate the distribution and availability of ornamental
fishes of the Western Ghats and to develop captive breeding technology for
prioritized species. After four years of research, College of Fisheries, Kerala
Agricultural University developed captive breeding technology for 13 species of
fishes, which is the first of its kind in India. The fishes are Puntius melanostigma,
P.filamentosus, P.fasciatus, P.sarana subnasutus, P.conchonius, P.pookodensis (sp.
nov.) Garra mullya, Danio malabaricus, Chela fasciata, Esomus danricus,
Nemacheilus triangularis. Nemacheilus semiarmatus and Pristolepis marginata.
The technology has already been transferred to scientists, farmers and
entrepreneurs for their commercial production.
It is most urgent to document this biodiversity to the fullest extent before human
interventions irreversibly modify the variety of biotopes present in the Western
Ghats. It is the intention of the present book to provide a single source, which
helps the identification of freshwater ornamental ichthyofauna of the Western
Ghats and summarizes their desirable qualities as ornamental fishes.
The species included in this book principally inhabit rivers and lakes and a few,
which are found at river mouths in water under tidal influence. The selection of
ornamental fishes in this compilation is based on flashy colouration and/or
apperance of the species, their acceptance, market value and export potential.
Discussions were also held with aquarium traders and hobbyists prior to
finalizing the list. Species that are naturally confined to the Western Ghats are
treated as “endemic” to the region while those distributed in other parts of India
in addition to the Western Ghats are treated as “widely distributed”. Popular
exotic/non-native ornamental fishes such as goldfish, koi carp, angel fish, tetras,
African and Latin American Cichlids etc. are not included in this book.
It is also the authors intention that this work will be of use to a wide range of
readers, from the amateur or aquarium hobbyist to biology students and
scientists in a variety of fields. We, therefore, tried to use minimum of technical
terms and utilized concise diagnostic descriptions to distinguish each species from
its closest relatives.
River Tambraparani, Tamil Nadu
Table 1. Threatened (Critically Endangered and Endangered) Ornamental Fishes
of the Western Ghats of India as per CAMP-ZOO-IUCN (Anon., 1998)
Scientific Names Status
Anguilla bengalensis bengalensis (Gray and Hardwicke) EN

Dayella malabarica (Day) CR
Danio fraseri Hora EN
Horadandia atukorali brittani Deraniyagala EN
Amblypharyngodon chakaiensis Babu and Nair CR
Neolissochilus wynaadensis (Day) CR
Osteobrama bakeri (Day) EN
Puntius arulius tambraparniei Silas CR
Puntius bimaculatus (Bleeker) EN
Puntius deccanensis Yazdani and Rao CR
Puntius denisonii (Day) EN
Punitus fasciatus (Jerdon)/Puntius melanampyx (Day) EN
Puntius jerdoni (Day) EN
Puntius melanostigma (Day) EN
Puntius narayani (Hora) CR
Puntius parrah (Day) EN
Puntius ophicephalus (Raj) EN
Gonoproktopterus curmuca (Hamilton-Buchanan) EN
Gonoproktopterus kolus (Sykes) EN
Gonoproktopterus thomassi (Day) EN
Lepidopygopsis typus Raj CR
Garra gotyla stenorhynchus (Jerdon) EN
Garra hughi Silas EN
Garra surendranathanii (Shaji Arun and Easa) EN
Bhavania australis (Jerdon) EN
Homaloptera montana Herre CR
Travancoria elongata Pethiyagoda and Kottelat CR
Travancoria jonesi Hora EN
Nemacheilus monilis Hora EN
Schistura nilgiriensis (Menon) EN
Oreonectes keralensis Rita and Nalbant EN
Botia striata Rao EN
Horaglanis krishnai Menon CR
Horabagrus brachysoma (Gunther) EN
Horabagrus nigricollaris Pethiyagoda and Kottelat CR
Batasio travancoria Hora and Law EN
Glyptothorax anamalaiensis Silas CR
Ompok malabaricus (Valenciennes) CR
Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch) EN
Pangasius pangasius (Hamilton-Buchanan) CR
Parambassis dayi (Bleeker) EN
Channa micropeltes (Cuvier) CR
Tetraodon travancoricus Hora and Nair EN
FAMILY
Notopteridae
P opularly known as ‘feather backs’. They are with deep

and strongly compressed body. Fishes of this family are
predominantly tropical freshwater fishes of extraordinary
diverse body form and size. They are easily identified by
the very long anal fin, which extends along the undersurface
of the body to the tip of caudal fin. At the center of the
back is a small slender dorsal fin, from which the fish
derives the name ‘feather back’. Most of the species are
insectivorous or piscivorous. In India, this family has only
two species. They inhabit quiet, weedy reaches of great
rivers, small ones are beautiful ornamental fishes and adult
fishes are relished as good food fishes.
Widely distributed in India
Notopterus notopterus (Pallas)
COMMON NAMES FIN COUNT

Grey featherback English
Dorsal 7-9
Ambattan vala Malayalam
Wallake/Cattah Kannada Anal + Caudal 100 -110
Chalat, Patre Marathi Ventral 5-6
Distinguishing characters: Body oblong and strongly compressed. Head

compressed, its length about 4.5 times in standard length; preorbital serrated.
Mouth moderate, maxilla extends to midorbit. Dorsal fin inserted nearer snout-tip
than to base of caudal fin. Pectoral fins moderate, extend beyond anal fin origin.
Scales minute, considerably larger on opercles than on body.
Colour and size: Silvery-white with numerous fine grey spots on body and head
which are dark along the narrow back. Attains a maximum size of 61cm. Young
ones are attractive as ornamental fishes.
Food and feeding: Carnivorous. Attacks smaller fishes. Owing to its carnivorous
nature, this fish can only be cultivated in wild waters or in fattening ponds in
which large fish are present.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: It breeds in stagnant or running water in the

rainy season. A ripe female bears relatively fewer eggs; they are laid in small
clumps on submerged vegetation. Mature female has bulged belly. Male oozes out
milt when pressed on the vent region.
Aquarium requirements: It requires clear water, but thrives well even in non
aerated aquarium tanks.
Behaviour in captivity: It grows very fast if live food is given. It is not
advisable to keep this species with other smaller sized fishes, but are compatible
with equal sized fishes. It is slow moving and occupies the column water.
This species appears to thrive well in lentic waters. It attains a maximum length
of 61 cm, but the usual size is much smaller. It is common in tanks throughout
the greater parts of India. In the large lakes and reservoirs of Tamil Nadu, it
attains a length up to 46 cm. This fish is relished both in fresh and dried form.
Though bionomics and breeding of N. notopterus have been investigated by
several workers, no worthwhile attempt towards its culture in India has been
made so far. Juvenile fishes are attractive as ornamental fishes.
River Kabani, Kerala
FAMILY
Anguillidae
P opularly known as ‘eels’. They are long bodied snake-

like fishes with low dorsal and anal fins, generally
long, continuous, with caudal fin and supported by soft
rays. Pelvic fin is absent. Anguillids live in a variety of
freshwater habitats such as streams, rivers, ponds and lakes.
Freshwater eels are important source of food. In India, there
is only a single genus with two species. Anguilla bicolor,
seen in the rivers of the Western Ghats is a very good
aquarium fish, since it can be acclimatised to the captive
conditions very easily.
Anguilla bengalensis bengalensis (Gray & Hardwicke)

Indian long fin eel English
Malangil, Vilangu Malayalam
Dorsal 250-305
Harimeenu Kannada Anal 220-250
Serampambu, Vellangoo, Porivelangu Tamil Pectoral 18
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate. Head conical, flattened dorsally.

Mouth terminal, angle of mouth appreciably behind posterior margin of eye; lips
prominent; teeth small, inconspicuous, multiserial, forming relatively narrow
bands on jaws, but in an anterior broad (but posteriorly narrow) band on vomer;
vomerine band narrows conspicuously before its mid-length. Dorsal fin inserted
nearer anus than gill-opening.
Colour and size: Typically yellowish to olive-brown, mottled with dark brown,
lighter below; juveniles not mottled. Attains a maximum size of 120cm.
Food and feeding: Carnivorous, but readily accepts any food in captivity.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Not known; Catadromous.
Aquarium requirements: This can be easily acclimatized to captive conditions. It
always remains buried in the sand or gets into the filter tubes. Hiding places are
essential for settling in the tank. Smell of food makes it come out of hiding
places.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a compatible and hardy fish. Always remains
hidden at the bottom of the tank. Lives in harmony with other fish. It can be
easily tamed.
Anguilla bicolor bicolor Mc Clelland

Short fin eel English Dorsal 220-245
Valingil, Malangil Malayalam Anal 200-220
Velangoo Tamil Pectoral 18
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate. Head conical, flattened dorsally.

Mouth terminal, angle of mouth a little behind posterior margin of eye; lips
prominent; teeth small, inconspicuous, multiserial, forming broad continuous
bands on jaws and vomer; vomerine tooth-band extending as far back as bands
of upper jaw but more pointed posteriorly. Dorsal fin inserted slightly before or
after anus.
Colour and size: Olive to dark bluish-brown above, lighter below from lower
jaw to anus; in migratory phase the colour changes to bronze-silver especially
below and the pectoral fins darken. Attains a maximum size of 100cm.
Food and feeding: Carnivorous, but readily accepts any food in captivity. The
fish will take feed from our hand if kept for a long time in tanks (photo). In
captivity, it accepts boiled eggs and dried clam meat.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Not known; catadromous-exhibits sea water
migration.
A q u a r i u m
requirements: This
can be easily
acclimatized to
captive conditions. It
always remains
buried in the sand or
gets into the filter
tubes. Captive
studies have shown
that it can remain in
captivity for many
years if suitable
hiding places are
provided. We have a
specimen of this
species that was
collected in the year
2002 and is still alive
in our laboratory.
PVC Pipes were
provided as hiding places. As it

grew bigger PVC pipes with
larger diameter were provided
in ‘U’ shape. It remains in the
tubes throughout the time
except for coming out for food.
Behaviour in captivity: It is
compatible, peaceful, friendly
and suitable for a community
aquarium. It can be tamed to
take food from our hands. It is
interesting to watch the fish
coming out of the tube with the smell of food.
FAMILY
Clupeidae
P opularly known as ‘herrings’, these silvery fishes, small
to medium size, move in schools. The family is large
with about 220 species, mostly inhabiting marine
environment, but the Western Ghats have only one fresh
water species. They are characterized by forked tail and
serrated ridge on the belly scales. They lack rigid fin spines
and a lateral line. They have deciduous scales. Most of
them feed on planktonic animals. In aquarium tanks they
accept pelletted feed once acclimatized.
Endemic to the Western Ghats
Dayella malabarica (Day)

Dorsal iii 10-11
River-carp baril English Anal iii 15-16
Pectoral i 12
Chala paral Malayalam Ventral i 7
Distinguishing characters: Body slender: belly rather rounded, with one to four
thin, unkeeled and irregular scutes (hidden by scales) without vertical arms;
pelvic-scute with vertical arms; no post-pelvic scutes. Snout pointed; lower jaw a
little prominent; teeth small but distinct on each jaw; Second supra maxilla long,
about three-fourth of length of maxilla blade. Gill rakers 24-27. Pelvic fins inserted
behind dorsal fin origin.
Colour and size: Light yellowish green above, abdomen silvery; A silvery stripe
along the flank. Upper caudal fin lobe with a bluish posterior edge. Reaching
about 6 cm.
Food and feeding: Omnivorous.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Not known.
Aquarium requirements: Needs well aerated clear water. It is difficult to
acclimatise this species to captive conditions.
Behaviour in captivity: Not compatible. Moves very fast in tanks.
FAMILY
Cyprinidae
P opularly known ‘carps’, ‘barbs’, ‘minnows’, ‘roaches’,

‘rasboras’, ‘danios’, and ‘hill trouts’ are included in this
family. Family Cyprinidae is the largest family of freshwater
fishes in the world. Cyprinids are also widely distributed
around the world. They are abundant in a wide variety of
habitats and consequently have considerable importance to
mankind. Cyprinids are well-known in aquarium trade. In
the Western Ghats, they exhibit a wide variety of body form,
colour and occupy diversified habitats.
Salmostoma boopis (Day)

Dorsal iii-7
Boopis razorbelly minnow English
Anal iii 12-14
Mathiparal Malayalam Pectoral i 14
Sampaj Kannada Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and compressed, its ventral profile

more convex than dorsal profile. Mouth oblique; lower jaw with a rudimentary
sympysial process: Gill rakers 15 to 20 on first arch. Dorsal fin inserted well
anterior to anal fin. Scales large; lateral line slightly curved, with 39 to 42 scales;
lateral transverse scale-rows 6/3.
Colour and size: Silvery with a burnished lateral band. Dorsal, anal and
caudal fins edged with black. It attains a maximum size of 12cm.
Food and feeding: It is an omnivorous fish, readily accepts anything its mouth
can hold. It is an active feeder once it is acclimatized to captivity.
Aquarium requirements: Prefers clear and aerated water. It cannot thrive in non-
aerated water. It is not easily acclimatisable.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a fast moving fish. Always moving along the mid
water column of the tank. It is compatible with other species but not hardy.
Salmostoma horai (Silas)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAME
Dorsal iii-7
Anal iii 15
Hora razorbelly minnow English Pectoral i 12
Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and compressed, its dorsal profile

more or less horizontal and the ventral profile slightly arched. Eyes large and
prominent, its diameter about equal to interorbital width. Mouth directed upwards;
lower jaw with a well-developed symphysial knob. Gillrakers 17 or 18 on first
arch. Dorsal fin inserted in advance of origin of anal-fin. Scales small; lateral line
with 76 to 85 scales; lateral transverse scale-rows 11-12/3.
Colour and size: Back light brownish, silvery on flanks and belly; 6 to 13 short
vertical brownish bands (or markings) along flanks – in some the bands short
and in the form of large spots; a narrow dark line along side of body, often
indistinct in anterior half of body. It attains a maximum size of 10cm.
Food and feeding: It is omnivorous.
Aquarium requirements: Requires well aerated water of neutral pH.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a fast moving fish. Always moving along the mid
water column of the tank. It is a compatible fish but not hardy.
Barilius bakeri Day
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal ii-iii 10
Malabar baril English Anal ii-iii 14
Pectoral i 14
Pavukan Malayalam
Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body deep, its depth 2.9 to 3.2 times in standard
length. Mouth moderate; jaws short, maxilla extends to below middle of orbit;
barbels absent. Dorsal fin inserted in advance of anal fin, extending to above
fourth anal fin ray. Scales moderate, with few radii; lateral line with 37 or 38
scales; predorsal scales 16. Tubercles large and well-developed on snout and
lower jaw.
Colour and size: Grayish becoming white on abdomen; a row of large bluish
spots along the flanks. Dorsal, anal and pectoral fins with dark gray bases, their
edges white. It attains a maximum size of 15cm.
can hold, not at all fussy about food. Prefers insect larvae. Feed from the surface
of water column.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Males develop intensive colouration during
breeding time. Colour of fin edges intensifies during maturation. Females
develop bulged belly. Captive breeding has not been attempted so far.
Aquarium requirements: It is a very hardy fish. Always moves very fast in the
tanks. Hence rectangular tanks will be comfortable for them.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a compatible, lovely and hardy species.
Barilius ggatensis
atensis (Valenciennes)
(Valenciennes)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal ii-iii 8-9
River Carp baril English Anal iii 12-14
Pectoral i 14
Pavukan Malayalam
Ventral i 8
length. Mouth moderate; jaws short, maxilla extends to below middle of orbit.
Barbels one minute rostral pair, often wanting. Dorsal fin inserted in advance of
anal fin, extending to above the third anal fin ray. Scales moderate, with few
radii; lateral line with 39 or 40 scales; predorsal scales 15. Tubercles large and
well-developed on snout and lower jaw; tubercles on lower jaw extend onto its
medial surface.
Colour and size: Silvery grey with 13 to 15 vertical bars (often as oblong spots)
descending from back, becoming more or less broken up in the adult. Dorsal and
anal fins with dark bases and light edges. Attains a length of 15 cm.
can hold, not at all fussy about food. It accepts food whenever it is available. We
have never seen it consuming food from the bottom of the tank. It has a terminal
mouth and hence food is accepted from the above soon after it is introduced
into the tank.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Males become more colourful and fins
become darker during breeding season. Captive breeding has not been attempted
so far.
Aquarium requirements: Less demanding fish, but prefers clear and aerated
water.
Behaviour in captivity: It is an active and swift swimming fish. It requires
large quantity of food. It is compatible, peaceful and very hardy in aquarium. It
dwells towards the middle and upper part of the water column.
River Kabani, Karnataka
Barilius canarensis (Jerdon)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal ii 10-11
Jerdon’s Baril English Anal ii 12-14
Pectoral i 14
Pavukan Malayalam
Ventral i 8
length. Mouth moderate; jaws short, maxilla extends to below anterior-third of
orbit; barbels absent. Dorsal fin inserted in advance of anal fin, about midway
between the snout-tip and base of caudal fin. Scales moderate, with few radii;
lateral line with 37 or 38 scales; predorsal scales 15.
Colour and size: Greenish above, golden on flanks, with a double row (rarely
single row) of large vertical blue spots along the body. Fins gray, with broad
white margins. It attains a maximum size of 15cm. A colour variant of this
species occurs in the rivers of northern Kerala (Photograph below).
can hold, not at all fussy about food. It accepts food whenever it is available.
become darker.
Aquarium requirements: Less demanding fish, but
prefers aerated water.
Behaviour in captivity: It is an active, hardy and
swift swimming fish. It requires large quantity of
food. It is a compatible and peaceful species also.
Usually dwells towards the middle and upper part
of the water column.
Barilius evezardi Day
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal ii 7
Anal ii12 -13
Day’s baril English
Pectoral i 12
Jhorya Marathi Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body shallow, its depth about 4.6 times in

standard length. Mouth moderate; jaws short, lower jaw with a well-developed
symphysial process, the maxilla reaches to below front edge of orbit; barbels
absent. Dorsal fin inserted in advance of anal fin, its posterior half above anal
fin. Scales moderate, with a few radii; lateral line with about 40 scales;
predorsal scales 14. Tubercles large and well-developed on head.
Colour and size: Body silvery, of a brown tint along the back; a lateral
burnished silvery band on flanks. Dorsal, anal and caudal fins orange; dorsal
and caudal fins edged with black. Attains a maximum size of 11cm.
Food and feeding: Omnivorous, readily accepts different types of food.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Males are more colourful and develop
nuptial tubercles when they are mature.
Aquarium requirements: Needs aerated clear water.
Behaviour in captivity: Active swimmer. Very hardy, peaceful and compatible
aquarium fish moving along the middle part of the tank.
Chela (Neochela) dadyburjori (Menon)
COMMON NAMES
FIN COUNT
Dorsal ii-iii 6-7
Dadio English Anal iii 10-12
Pectoral i 9-12
Chela Malayalam
Ventral i 5-6
Distinguishing characters: Body deep and greatly compressed, its depth 4 to 5.2
times in standard length; keeled nature of abdomen only very faintly indicated,
from posterior-third of abdomen to vent. Mouth oblique, its cleft extending to
below front edge of eye. Lateral line usually absent, but when present piercing
two to four anterior scales just below pectoral fin; lateral transverse scale-rows 7
or 8.
Colour and size: Female colourless and translucent, adult male has yellow
colour over body; a dark steel-blue lateral stripe along middle of body with three
or four black spots (about six spots in juveniles); a well-defined supraanal streak
present, also subpeduncular stripe; a middorsal stripe from occiput to dorsal fin.
Fins hyaline with a yellowish tinge. In females, the black spots diminish
considerably in size and almost inconspicuous along the dorsal stripe. It attains a
maximum size of 4cm.
can hold. Prefers insect larvae.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: During breeding season the males develop
four to six minute wart-like protruberances on the opercle which can be observed
when the specimens are viewed through a magnifying glass. Sex can also be
distinguished by their size and shape; males are usually slender, whereas,
females have a distended abdomen.
C.dadyburjori usually spawns in summer when the level of water in the streams
is very low. The eggs are attached to smooth rounded pebbles or on the
blades of aquatic weeds. It can be successfully bred in the laboratory if isolated
mature pairs are kept in aquarium tanks. As a prelude to spawning the male
continuously chases the female, occasionally nipping at the vent. She soon selects
a suitable surface, either a pebble or a weed blade and rests on it. The male fish
immediately approaches her and bends his body like a crescent over the dorsal
side of the female fish. They remain in this position for about 15 to 20 seconds
and during this time the female extrudes 6-8 eggs and the pair separates. After an
interval of about ten minutes, the male again drives the female to the same spot
and the process is repeated and this continues until a total of 32-40 eggs are laid.
The eggs are sticky and adhere individually or in clusters to the surface of leaf
blades or pebbles on which spawning takes place when all the eggs have been
extruded, the parents swim away and do not pay any further attention to the
eggs. Eventhough the parents do not guard the eggs, they are protected from
predators by their transparent yellow colour, which harmonizes with the colour
of the weed or pebble to which they are attached.
water. It can thrive well even in non aerated water. It is easily acclimatizable.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a popular aquarium fish that moves in groups and
remains in the water column. This is one of the smallest aquarium fishes.
Chela fasciata Silas
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal ii 7
Malabar hatchet chela English Anal iii 14-15
Pectoral i 8-9
Malabar Chela Malayalam Ventral i 5-6
Distinguishing characters: Body greatly compressed, its depth 3.8 to 4.3 times in
standard length. Head slightly turned upwards. Mouth small, obliquely directed
upwards, its cleft not extending to below front edge of eye. Pectoral fins long,
extend much beyond origin of anal fin; outer ray of pelvic fin greatly elongated,
extends beyond origin of anal fin. Lateral line complete, with 33 or 34 scales;
lateral transverse scale rows 6/1/1-1½; predorsal scales 18.
Colour and size: Upper half of body grayish, the scales with dark edges; lower
half and belly lighter in colour; a dark broad lateral stripe on sides,
commencing just behind eye and runs along middle of body to about base of
caudal fin; a well-defined black supraanal streak present, so also a
subpeduncular stripe; a mid-dorsal stripe from occiput to dorsal fin. Fins greyish
white. It attains a maximum size of 5cm.
can hold, not at all fussy about food. Prefers insect larvae. It never takes food
from bottom. Hence floating feed is preferable.
become darker during breeding season. The first author of this book developed
the captive breeding technique of this fish. The eggs are adhesive and remain
attached to the roots of floating plants. Plants are essential in a breeding tank.
water.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a popular aquarium fish that moves fast along the
mid water column. A good candidate for planted aquariums.
Developmental Stages of Chela fasciata
Chela laubuca (Hamilton-Buchanan)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal ii 8-9
Indian glass-barb, Indian hatchetfish English Anal ii 17-22
Pectoral i 8-11
Mathiparal Malayalam
Ventral i 6
Distinguishing characters: Body deep and greatly compressed, its depth 2.5 to
4.1 times in standard length; abdomen keeled only between and behind pelvic
fins. Mouth slightly oblique, its cleft not extending to front edge of eye. Pectoral
fins large and wing-like; outer pelvic fin ray strongly produced. Lateral line
complete, with 31 to 37 scales; lateral transverse scale-rows 6-7/1/2-4; predorsal
scales 15 to 20.
Colour and size: Translucent, shining silver to greenish-gray with a violet lustre
on caudal peduncle and steel-blue vertical markings on sides of body; back
somewhat darker, often with a bright brassy glean; a green to deep black
longitudinal stripe from somewhat before level of dorsal fin along flank to base
of caudal fin where it terminates in a deep black, golden-edged blotch; above this
longitudinal stripe another fine golden band which extends to operculum where
it surrounds a deep black blotch. Fins yellow, often light orange to delicate
brownish. It attains a maximum size of 5.5cm.
can hold, not at all fussy about food. Prefers insect larvae.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: This species breeds freely in ponds, tanks
and small streams, and in these habitats wherever they occur, are found in large
numbers. Males develop intensive colouration during breeding. The dorsal fin
has dark spots which intensifies during maturation. Females develop bulged
belly. Captive breeding technique for this species has been developed by the first
author of this book.
water. It can thrive well even in non aerated water. It is easily acclimatisable.
remains in the water column. Its small size, iridescent blue-green body colour
and hardiness are the main reasons why it has found a place in the list of
desirable tropical aquarium fishes and is presently reared as aquarium fish in
India. This beautiful shoaling fish prefers the upper water-layers and proves to be
very hardy and undemanding in aquaria having large surface area. They look
more attractive in planted aquaria.
River Karuvannur, Kerala
Esomus
Esomus thermoicos (Valenciennes)
(Valenciennes)

Srilanka Flying barb English Dorsal ii 6
Anal iii 5
Meesa-paravai Tamil
Pectoral i 14
Meesa-parava Malayalam
Ventral i 7
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and compressed, its depth 3.8 to 4.5
times in standard length. Head length equal to body depth. Mouth small.
Barbels two pairs (rostral and maxillary); maxillary barbels extend to the tip of
pectoral fin or slightly beyond. Pectoral fins long, in juveniles, extend upto pelvic
fins. Lateral line well-marked and more or less complete, often interrupted above
base of anal fin; lateral line with 32 to 34 scales; predorsal scales 19 or 20;
scales around caudal peduncle 14.
Colour and size: Silvery, its upper side pale olive, with greenish yellow lateral
stripe above a steel blue one; a black streak along dorsal surface; a yellow or
brown nuchal band. Paired fins hyaline; other fins pale yellow. It attains a
maximum size of 8 cm.
water. It can thrive well even in non-aerated water. It is easily acclimatisable.
Behaviour in captivity: Peaceful fish, compatible and suitable for community
aquariums.They dwell towards the upper half of the water column in an
aquarium tank.
Esomus barbatus (Jerdon)

Dorsal ii-iii 9-12
South Indian flying barb English Anal ii-iii 14-16
Messai-paravai Tamil Pectoral i 8-11
Ventral i 6
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and strongly compressed, its depth 4 to

4.4 times in standard length. Head length 4.1 to 4.5 times in standard length.
Mouth small. Barbels two pairs (rostral and maxillary); maxillary barbels
usually extended up to middle of pectoral fin. Pectoral fins long, do not extend
up to pelvic fins in adults. Lateral line complete and well defined, with 30 to
32 scales; predorsal scales 17; scales around caudal peduncle 14.
Colour and size: Silvery-white, darkish above and lighter below; a broad (but
indistinct) silvery band with a streak of a darker colour running along middle of
body, becoming fairly prominent behind pelvic fins. It attains a maximum size of
8cm.
breeding time. The dorsal fin has dark spots which intensifies during maturation.
Females develop bulged belly.
water. It is not easily acclimatisable.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a compatible fish that moves in groups and remains
in the water column. It is noted for its fast moving and jumping ability, hence
aquarium tank should be covered.
Esomus danricus (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Flying barb English Dorsal ii-iii 9-12
Astapakke Telugu Anal ii-iii 14-16
Meesa-paravai Tamil Pectoral i 8-11
Meesa-parava Kerala Ventral i 6
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, slim and compressed, its depth 3.3 to
4.8 times in standard length. Head pointed, its length 3.5 to 5 times in standard
length. Mouth small. Barbels two pairs; maxillary pair extremely long and
usually extend to about middle of body, rostral barbels short and fleshy. Pectoral
fins long and pointed. Lateral line incomplete, very short, piercing 4 to 6 scales
anteriorly; scales in longitudinal series 27 to 30; predorsal scales 16 or 17; scales
around caudal peduncle 14.
Colour and size: Olive-green to gray-green with a pearly iridescence and
sprinkled with fine dots; flanks silvery-violet to delicate reddish; belly silvery-
white; a broad dark lateral band from mouth to base to caudal fin (in juveniles)
bordered dorsally by a fine gold stripe, the dark band broadens out on caudal
peduncle to form a striking dark brown triangular blotch (often only faintly
indicated). Pelvic fins reddish; other fins brownish to orange. It attains a
Food and feeding: It is an omnivorous fish, readily accepts anything that its
mouth can hold; not at all fussy about food once it is acclimatized. Prefers insect
larvae.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Males have exceptionally wide pectoral

fins, Females develop bulged belly. It was naturally bred in captivity by the first
author. It requires slightly acidic to neutral water for better performance.
water. It is not easily acclimatisable, as it is sensitive to water quality.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a compatible fish that moves in groups and
remains in the water column. This fish is noted for its fast moving and
jumping ability, hence it is best to keep the tank covered. It is a peaceful fish
suitable for community aquarium. Remains towards the upper part of the water
column.
Upstream of River Bharathapuzha, Kerala
Danio malabaricus (Jerdon)

Dorsal ii 10-13
Malabar danio English Anal iii 12-16
Pectoral i 14
Ozhukkilatti Malayalam
Ventral i 7
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and strongly compressed, its depth 3 to

3.5 times in standard length. Head length 3.8 to 4.3 times in standard length;
snout length 3.5 to 4, eye-diameter 3.3 to 3.8, both in head length. A weak pre-
orbital spine, directed backwards, from lachrymal bone. Mouth small, directed
upwards; barbels two pairs; rostral barbels rudimentary, the maxillary pair
usually vestigial. Dorsal fin inserted well in advance of origin of anal fin, its
posterior half extending to over anterior anal fin rays. Caudal fin forked. Scales
moderate-size; lateral line complete, with 32 to 34 scales; predorsal scales 14 or
15.
Colour and size: Bright metallic-blue, head silvery, belly pale pink; three or
four steel blue longitudinal bands along flanks, separated by narrow yellow lines.
Fins yellow to deep orange-red; pectoral fins hyaline. It attains a maximum size
of 10cm.
Food and feeding: It is an omnivorous fish, readily accepts anything that its
mouth can hold, not at all fussy about food. Prefers insect larvae.
breeding. Females develop bulged belly. The breeding of danio is comparatively
easier. It is a prolific breeder. The aquarium must be heavily stocked with plants
preferably hydrilla. The sticky eggs adhere to the leaves. A pair consisting of
single male and female is ideal for breeding. They must be well conditioned on
live foods and introduced into the
breeding tank, on the evening prior to
Egg attached to leaf the day on which breeding is expected to
take place. If the male and female are
conditioned in separate aquaria they
should spawn the following morning.
The optimum range of temperature is 22-
24 0 C. Parents are to be removed after
spawning as they may devour the eggs
and young ones. The young ones hatch
out after 24 hours. On the third day
onwards they feed on infusoria. After ten
days they will start feeding on Moina. They need plenty of space for further
growth.
water. It can thrive well even in non-aerated water. It is easily acclimatizable.
remains in the water column. It is compatible and very active in aquariums.
This is an admirable fish and is considered
as one of the standard members of a
‘happy family’. It matures at 6-7cm. This
gorgeously coloured fish is popular with
aquarists. It is peaceful and well behaved
in community aquaria, and its hardiness
and readiness to breed further enhances its
attractiveness.
Free embryo
Danio neilgherriensis (Day)

Dorsal ii-iii 9-11
Peninsular danio English Anal ii 11-12
Pectoral i 11-12
Cowlei Tamil
Ventral i 6
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and laterally compressed, its depth

4 to 4.6 times in standard length. Head length 4 to 4.3 times in standard length;
snout length about equal to eye-diameter, 3.3 to 4.3 times in head length. Mouth
small, obliquely directed upwards; barbels two short pairs (rostral and maxillary),
the maxillary pair often rudimentary. Dorsal fin inserted anterior to anal fin, about
midway between tip of snout and caudal fin base. Caudal fin forked. Scales
moderate-size; lateral line complete, with 37 or 38 scales; predorsal scales 16 to
18.
Colour and size : Back greenish, sides and belly silvery with a purplish tinge
along the belly; a lateral longitudinal dark broad, steel-blue stripe extends from
behind eye to caudal fin; juveniles usually with light horizontal bands. Attains a
Aquarium requirement : Less demanding fish; but prefers clear and aerated
water. It is easily acclimatizable.
Danio fraseri Hora & Mukerji
COMMON NAMES
FIN COUNT
Dorsal ii 10-11
Fraser danio English Anal ii-iii 15-16
Pectoral i 15-16
Gayroonjee Marathi
Ventral i 6
times in standard length. Head length 3.5 to 4.3 times in standard length; snout
length 3.8 to 4.3, eye-diameter 2.8 to 3.3, both in head length. Mouth small,
obliquely directed upwards; lower lip hypertrophied forming a broad loose flap
along jaw, the upper lip normal; barbels two pairs: rostral pair half eye-diameter,
the maxillary barbels shorter than rostral barbels. Pectoral fins long, extending
beyond base of pelvic fin. Caudal fin forked. Lateral line complete, with 38 to
40 scales; predorsal scales 16 or 17.
Colour and size: Silvery with a pinkish-blue; three or four longitudinal bands
on both sides of body, the middle band broadest and extending to caudal fin
rays; free edges of scales with black edges; a dusky spot at upper angle of gill-
opening. Fins hyaline with a pinkish blush. Attains a maximum size of 10cm.
Aquarium requirement : Less demanding fish; but prefers clear and aerated
water. It is easily acclimatizable.
Danio aequipinnatus (McClelland)

Giant danio English Dorsal ii-iii 9-12
Anal ii-iii 14-16
Selvaiparavai, Vannathipodi Tamil
Pectoral i 8-11
Balooki Maharashtra
Ventral i 6
times in standard length. Head length 3.5 to 4.3 times in standard length; snout
length 3.3 to 5, eye-diameter 3 to 4, both in head length. A preorbital spine,
backwardly directed, from lachrymal bone. Mouth small, directed upwards;
barbels two short pairs; rostral pair about half eye-diameter, the maxillary
barbels minute. Dorsal fin inserted well in advance of origin of anal fin,
extending to over anterior anal fin rays. Caudal fin forked. Scales moderate;
lateral line complete, with 35 to 37 scales; predorsal scales 14 or 15.
Colour and size: Brilliant basic blue; a well-marked lateral band of dark blue
along sides, both above and below it are thinner golden bands; the blue band
which runs along the entire length from caudal fin to head, breaks up into three
bands in adults separated by golden lines before reaching gill-opening, a well-
defined black blotch near upper angle of gill-opening generally present. Fins
bright orange. It attains a maximum size of 8cm.
breeding. The dorsal fin has a red tinge in mature males. Females develop
bulged belly. Captive breeding is possible. It naturally breeds in captivity.
remains in the water column. It is an ideal aquarium fish. Since this fish is
accustomed to live under varying water conditions in nature, and due to the
presence of a considerable number of other fishes, it proves to be peaceful and
hardy in aquariums.
Bedrock Reach : This reach exhibits little or no alluvial bed material and are generally
confined by valley walls and lack flood plains.
Brachydanio rerio (Hamilton-Buchanan)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal ii 6-7
Zebra danio,Zebrafish English Anal ii-iii 12-13
Pectoral i 11-12
Aratti, Sellai-palava Tamil
Ventral i 6
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, very slim and slightly compressed, its
depth 3.4 to 4.2 times in standard length. Head length 3.8 to 4.4 times in
standard length; snout length 3.6 to 4.7, eye-diameter 3 to 3.5, both in head
length. Mouth small, obliquely directed upwards; barbels two pairs, well-
developed; rostral barbels considerably longer than eye-diameter, the maxillary
pair extends beyond half of pectoral fin. Gill rakers 10 to 13 on lower arm of
first arch. Caudal fin forked. Scales moderate-size; lateral line usually absent,
often rudimentary or incomplete in which case it often extends up to base of
pelvic fins; scales along normal course of lateral line 28 to 30; lateral transverse
scale-rows 6 or 7; predorsal scales 15 or 16.
Colour and size: Back silvery-gray; belly yellowish white; flanks shining Prussian
blue, traversed with four well-defined beautiful shining gold stripes from head to
caudal fin, the two outer bands sharply delimit the blue of the sides above and
below; blue-gold stripes show up fairly clearly on anal fin as well; operculum
with golden blotches; iris golden red. Dorsal fin yellow-olive at base, others blue
with a white tip; paired fins hyaline. It attains a maximum size of 4.5 cm.
Different varieties of zebrafish including albino and with varied fin shapes; and
transgenic specimens carrying fluorescent protein genes of different colours are
common now-a-days.
can hold, not at all fussy about food.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Females can be identified by their bulged

belly during maturation. Males are slender. Breeding is rather simple. Tank
breeding can be accomplished. Tank with pebbly bottom is ideal for better
survival. Eggs will go into the crevices among the pebbles so that the parents
will not get a chance to eat them. Parents are removed after spawning and eggs
hatch out in 48 hours and young ones become free swimming after two days.
Aquarium requirements: Hardy and thrives well in clear aerated water.
remains in the upper part of the water column. This zebra danio is one of the
most popular aquarium fishes being extremely active and graceful. Its blue and
silver horizontal stripes, its constant activity, the ease with which it can be kept
and fed, and its inoffensive nature make it a prime favourite with most tropical
fish hobbyists. The zebra danio is probably, the finest small tropical aquarium
fish known. It is strikingly beautifully coloured, easy to feed, and resistant to
disease. It is hardy and easy to breed; desirable in community tank, and is easily
maintained.
Rapid type habitat, River Kabani, Karnataka
Horadandia atukorali brittani Deraniyag

Deraniyagala
agala

Dorsal ii 6
Green carplet English Anal iii 5
Podimeen Malayalam Pectoral i 9
Ventral i 5
Distinguishing characters: Body fairly elongate and laterally compressed. Mouth

upwardly directed. Gillrakers 12 to 14 on first arch. Scales large; 22 scales in
lateral series.
Colour and size: Pale yellowish-green, flanks silvery with pink reflections, and
belly silvery; sides with a mid lateral line. Fins hyaline. It attains a maximum
size of 2cm, one of the smallest barbs in India.
Food and feeding: It is an omnivorous fish. Prefers insect larvae, it also accepts
cooked chicken egg yolk.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: It breeds only in low saline water.
Aquarium requirements: Not very easy to acclimatize. Usually it thrives in low
saline water. Hence fishes collected from the saline water need gradual exchange
with freshwater for acclimatization. About 25% of the saline water is gradually
replaced everyday with fresh water. It takes about one week for the gradual
acclimatization. Aeration is essential. They survive well in aquarium tanks fitted
with biological filter.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a compatible, peaceful and active fish. Being very
small, large number of them can be kept in a tank. This is one of the smallest
freshwater fishes of the Western Ghats. It has great potential as an ornamental
fish. They are very attractive in planted aquariums.
Rasbora caverii (Jerdon)

Dorsal ii 7
Cauvery Rasbora English Anal i 5
Pectoral i 13:
Kavery rasbora Malayalam Ventral i 6
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate. Mouth fairly small, obliquely directed

upwards. Dorsal fin inserted considerably behind origin of pelvic fins. Dorsal-
hypural distance, when carried forward, falls behind posterior border of eye.
Caudal fin forked. Lateral line complete, with 36 to 37 scales (only about 32
perforated); lateral transverse scale-rows 7.
Colour and size: Body olivaceous; a faintly marked lateral stripe on sides, more
prominent in posterior half of body. Attains a length of 7cm. This species is also
reported from Sri Lanka.
Aquarium requirements: Needs clear and well aerated water.
Behaviour in captivity: Peaceful, active swimmer and compatible. It is ideal for
a community aquarium. Always dwells towards the middle part of the water
column in an aquarium.
Rasbora labiosa Mukerji
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal ii 7
Anal ii 5
Slender rasbora English
Pectoral i 11
Dandai, Gayroonjee Marathi Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and compressed. Mouth small; lower

lip hypertrophied, more fleshy and flabby than upper lip and projects beyond
jaw, with three distinct lobe-like structures. Pectoral fins shorter than length of
head. Lateral line incomplete, extends as far as posterior end of anal fin; 30 to
32 scales in longitudinal series (18 to 20 scales only perforated); lateral
transverse scale-rows 4/1/1½.
Colour and size: Body straw-coloured with a faint silvery sheen; a broad black
lateral band on side; along dorsum a narrow black median line from occiput to
base of caudal fin. Attains a maximum size of 9cm.
Food and feeding: Insectivorous, but readily accepts any food.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Not bred under captivity so far.
Aquarium requirements: Hardy fish, needs well aerated water.
Behaviour in captivity: Peaceful, active swimmer. Exhibits hiding tendency.
Rasbora daniconius (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Blackline rasbora English Dorsal ii 7
Purroovoo, Ovaree-candee Tamil Anal ii 5
Neddean-jabbu Kannada Pectoral i 14
Kananjon Malayalam Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body oblong and compressed. Mouth small; lips

simple. Pectoral fins shorter than head. Lateral line nearly complete, with 31 to 34
scales; lateral transverse scale-rows 4½/1/2½.
Colour and size: Black olive, flanks and belly silvery, a fairly distinct blue black
mid-lateral stripe from eye to base of caudal fin, delicately edged above and
below by a thin, metallic golden line, a narrow dark stripe above anal fin. Fins
hyaline, tinged with yellow. It attains a maximum size of 10 cm.
Food and feeding: It is an omnivorous fish. Prefers insect larvae.
breeding. The dorsal fin has dark spots which intensifies during maturation.
Females develop bulged belly. It naturally breeds in captivity.
remains in the column of water. It is a compatible and active fish.
Amblypharyngodon chakaiensis Babu & Nair

FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal ii-7
Anal iii 5
Velilake carplet English
Pectoral i 16
Cheppu kaili, Vayambu Malayalam Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, its depth 4.2 to 4.5 times in

standard length. Eyes large, its diameter 3.8 to 4.1 times in head length. Scales
small; lateral line incomplete ceases after 17th to 22nd scale; 54 to 57 scales in
lateral series, 6 scale rows between lateral line and pelvic fin base.
Colour and size: Upper side dark, flanks and abdomen silvery, with a light
bluish-green iridescent longitudinal band along side. Fins hyaline. Attains a
Amblypharyngodon
Amblypharyngodon melettinus (Valenciennes)
(Valenciennes)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal ii-iii
Anal ii-iii 5
Attentive carplet English
Pectoral i 13-14
Pachaitalai Kannada Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, its depth 4.4 to 4.8 times in standard
length. Eyes large, its diameter about 4 times in head length. Scales small; lateral
line incomplete, ceases after 7 to 20 scales; 45 to 57 scales in lateral series; 4
scale-rows between lateral line and pelvic fin base.
Colour and size: Greenish along back, silvery on flanks and belly; a bright
greenish-yellow band divides the colours of the back from a silvery line along
the side. Fins hyaline. Attains a length of 8 cm.
Amblypharyngodon microlepis (Bleeker)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal ii 7
Indian carplet English
Anal ii 5
Oori Tamil Pectoral i 13
Vayambu Malayalam Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, its depth 4 to 4.4 times in standard

length. Eyes large, its depth 3.6 to 4 times in head length. Scales very small,
lateral line incomplete, ceases after a few scales, 55 to 60 scales in lateral series,
5 scale-rows between lateral line and pelvic fin base.
Colour and size: Bronze on upper side, flanks brassy to golden with a broad
dull greenish-silver longitudinal band from operculum to base of caudal fin; belly
whitish. Fins hyaline to yellowish. Attains a maximum size of 10cm.
Food and feeding: It is an omnivorous fish, readily accepts artificial feed also.
belly when they are mature. Males develop more intensive colouration and
oozes out milt on a gentle press at the vent region.
water. It can thrive well even in non-aerated water. It gets easily acclimatized.
in the water column.
Amblypharyngodon mola (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Dorsal ii-iii 7
Mola Carplet, Pale carplet English Anal ii-iii 5-6
Pectoral i 13-15
Vayambu Malayalam Ventral i 8
length. Eyes large, its diameter 3.5 to 4 times in head length. Scales small;
lateral line incomplete, ceases after 9 to 18 scales; 65 to 91 scales in lateral
series; 9 or 10 scale-rows between lateral line and pelvic fin base.
Colour and size: Golden yellow with a broad silvery lateral band on body.
Dorsal, anal and caudal fins usually with dark markings; pectoral and pelvic fins
hyaline. It attains a maximum size of 20 cm.
Food and feeding: It is an omnivorous fish, readily accepts artificial feed also.
belly when they are mature. Males develop more intensive colouration and
oozes out milt on a gentle press at the vent region.
water. It can thrive well even in non-aerated water. It gets easily acclimatized.
in the water column.
Neolissochilus wynaadensis (Day)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal iv 9
Wayanadu Mahseer English Anal iii 5
Pectoral i 16
Wayanadan Kuyil, Manjakadanna Malayalam
Ventral i 8
length. Head broad, its length 4.2 to 4.5 times in standard length. Mouth
smoothly rounded; lower labial fold interrupted. Barbels two pairs; maxillary
barbels as long as orbit, rostral ones shorter. Dorsal fin inserted slightly nearer to
snout-tip than to base of caudal fin, its last unbranched ray non-osseous and
weak. Scales moderate; lateral line with 26 to 28 scales; lateral transverse scale-
rows 4 to 6; predorsal scales 10.
Colour and size: Leaden silvery along the back, with a dark band running from
behind the eyes to the middle of the base of caudal fin where it often ends in a
round black blotch; belly light orange. Fins greyish at edges. Attains a maximum
size of 25cm.
Aquarium requirements: Being a sensitive fish it is very difficult to acclimatize
to captivity.
Behaviour in captivity: It is compatible and remains towards the bottom part of
the aquarium tank.
Osteobrama bakeri (Day)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal iii 8
Anal iii 11
Malabar osteobrama English
Pectoral i 12
Mullan paval Malayalam Ventral i 10
Distinguishing characters: Body trapezoid and considerably compressed, its

depth about 3.1 times in standard length; abdominal edge sharp and trenchant
between bases of pelvic and anal fins, but, rounded in front of pelvic fins.
Mouth small; barbels two small but well-defined pairs. Dorsal spine weak and
serrated. Scales small; lateral line with about 44 scales; scale-rows 5½ between
lateral line and base of pelvic fins; predorsal scales 15.
Colour and size: Silvery. Dorsal profile with metallic blue colour, dorsal and
caudal fins with orange coloured edges. Attains a maximum size of 12cm. One of
the prettiest species from Kerala.
Aquarium requirements: Difficult to acclimatize to captive conditions. Very
sensitive and requires well-aerated clear water.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a very compatible and peaceful fish. Remains
towards the middle part of the tank.
Osteobrama vigorsii (Sykes)

Bheema osteobrama English Dorsal iii 8
Gollund, Chilti Orissa Anal iii 21-27
Khira Telugu Pectoral i 18
Phek, Phankut Marathi Ventral i 9
Distinguishing characters: Body trapezoid and considerably compressed, its

depth 2.8 to 3 times in standard length; abdominal edge sharp and trenchant
between bases of pelvic fins and anal fin, but rounded in front of pelvic fins.
Mouth small; a pair of rudimentary maxillary barbel present only. Dorsal spine
very strong and denticulated. Scales very small; lateral line with 73 to 85 scales;
scale-rows 11 or 11 ½ between lateral line and base of pelvic fins; predorsal
scales 33 to 37.
Colour: Greenish on back, silvery on flanks and belly; snout dusky; young with
a silvery band on both sides.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding : Not known.
Aquarium requirements : Sensitive and requires well-aerated clear water.
Behaviour in captivity : Compatible with other species; peaceful fish; remains in
the middle part of the tank.
Rohtee ogilbii Sykes

Dorsal iii 8
Vatani rohtee English Anal iii 13-14
Pectoral i 14
Varani Marathi Ventral i 9
Distinguishing characters: Body deep and strongly compressed, the dorsal

profile more convex than abdomen. Mouth small, the lower jaw shorter; no
barbels. Eyes large, may be visible from underside of head. Dorsal spine strong
and coarsely serrated; a predorsal spine present, somewhat concealed by scales.
Scales small; lateral line with about 55 species.
Colour: Purplish silvery along back, fading to silvery white on belly, young often
with a dark spot at base of caudal fin, and four or five narrow black bands
descending from back to middle of the side.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding : Not known.
Aquarium requirements : Sensitive and requires well-aerated clear water.
Behaviour in captivity : Compatible with other species; peaceful fish; remains in
the middle part of the tank.
Puntius amphibius (Valenciennes)

(Valenciennes)

Dorsal ii-iii 8
Scarlet banded barb English Anal ii-iii 5
Pectoral i 14
Mathiparal Malayalam Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body spindle-shaped, both of its profiles equally

convex, its depth about 3.6 times in standard length. Head length about 3.75
times in standard length. Mouth small and subterminal; barbels one pair of
maxillary, shorter than orbit. Dorsal fin inserted nearer to tip of snout than to
base of caudal fins, its last unbranched ray feebly osseous and smooth. Scales
medium; lateral line complete, with 23 or 24 scales; predorsal scales 7 or 8.
Colour and size: Upper half steel-blue, fading to white with golden tinge on
flanks and abdomen; a large well-marked black spot on base of caudal fin;
sexually mature fish with scarlet lateral band from eye to caudal fin. Dorsal fin
orange with an oblique band; other fins yellowish.
Food and feeding: It is omnivorous. They accept pellet feed in aquarium tanks.
They are not fussy about food. They prefer live feed like tubifex, earthworms or
Chironomus larvae. They are slow feeders. Specific attention should be paid to
note that they get food in a community aquarium.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: When sexually mature, males develop a
scarlet band along the mid lateral side of the body extending from behind the
opercle to the tail region. Hence they are commonly called scarlet banded barbs.
Females do not have this colour, but they have a bulged belly.
Aquarium requirements: This species prefer to be at the bottom part of the tank.
They require well-aerated water with neutral pH. Being shy initially, they need
some hiding places in the tank for easy acclimatization.
Behaviour in captivity: These are very compatible and peaceful species. Usually
they remain towards the bottom part of the tank. Initially they are very shy. In a
community tank they hide among the plants or behind the stones, but in a single
species aquarium, where these fishes are kept alone, they dwell in all parts of
the tank. However, they don’t usually come to the upper part of the water
column.
Puntius amphibius
Puntius arulius arulius (Jerdon)

Aruli barb, Longfin barb English Dorsal iii 8
Pewal-kendi Tamil Anal ii 5
Aruli Kannada Pectoral i 14
Pulliparal Malayalam Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and fairly compressed, its depth 3.2
to 3.5 times in standard length. Head 3.5 to 3.7 times in standard length.
Mouth moderate; barbels one pair of very thin maxillary only. Dorsal fin inserted
generally nearer to tip of snout than to base of caudal fin, often equidistant; its
last unbranched ray non-osseous and fairly weak. Scales moderate; lateral line
complete, with 21 to 24 scales; predorsal scales 8. A prominent, fairly deep
pectoral pit present.
Colour and size: Back olivaceous-green, blends to silvery on belly with a
reddish lustre; scales over lateral line particularly with numerous tiny green shiny
spots; operculum with an iridescent green dot; four or five black blotches on
body, the transverse bars at level of dorsal-fin origin, at level of anal fin and on
caudal peduncle extremely prominent. Caudal fin yellowish to reddish, with
bright red tips. It attains a maximum size of 18cm.
Food and feeding: Active feeder, prefers insect larvae, readily accepts any food
including pellet feed. Requires plant feed also.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: During breeding males can be easily
identified by the presence of long filamentous rays of dorsal fin, extending
beyond the fin-membrane. It also develops intensive colouration on the edges of
fins, caudal fin becomes red. Females do not have these characters but have a
bulged belly.
Aquarium requirements: Needs larger tanks and well aerated clear water. Not
very easily acclimatisable. Cannot tolerate wide variation in pH, temperature or
oxygen.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a lovely fish. Very active and usually dwells at the
upper part of the water column. Males become aggressive when they are
sexually mature. Two mature males in a tank are not compatible to each other.
Otherwise, good for community aquariums.
Male aruli barb
Puntius arulius tambraparniei Silas
COMMON NAME FIN COUNT

Dorsal 11-12(3/8-9)
Anal 14-15
Silas barb English
Pectoral 7(2/5)
Ventral 9
Distinguishing characters: Head 3 to 4 in standard and 4 to 5.3 in total length;

length of caudal 2.68 to 3.88 and 3.68 to 5; and depth of body 2.59 to 4 and 3.4
to 5.6. Snout 2.6 to 4 in length of head; width of head 1.6 to 2 and height of
head at occiput 1.18 to 1.6 in its length. Diameter of eye 2.66 to 3.75 in head;
0.66 to 1.25 in snout and 1.0 to 1.4 in interorbital width. Distance between tip of
snout and origin of dorsal contained 1.0 to 1.2 in distance between origin of
dorsal and base of caudal fin. Length of pectoral fin 1.06 to 1.5 in length of head.
A pair of well developed maxillary barbels present. Upper jaw slightly
overhanging lower; post-labial groove interrupted; last simple dorsal ray non-
osseous and weak. Caudal deeply emarginate. Lateral line complete with 21 to 23
scales. Predorsal scales 7 or 8.
Colour and size: In very small specimens, ranging from 22 to 30 mm in length
there are three vertical blotches or ‘bands’ on the side of the body; the first being
just below the commencement of the dorsal fin, and extending as low as the
base of the pelvic fin; the second from below the posterior extremity of the
dorsal fin and extending to the base of the anal fin and a third across the base of
the caudal fin. In still larger specimens ranging from 31 to 49 mm in length, in
addition to these vertical blotches or ‘bands’ which coalesce with those of the
opposite side dorsally, a few more blotches are present. One is situated above the
upper angle of the gill opening and extends dorsally, becoming confluent with
that of the opposite side in the region of the occiput. Two other blotches are
present on the dorso-median line, the first between the commencement of the
dorsal and the occiput; and the second extending over the posterior two-thirds of
the base of the dorsal fin. Attains a length of 22cm.
Food and feeding: It is omnivorous, but prefers plant food. All the plants in an
aquarium are eaten away by these fishes.
Sexual Dimorphism and Breeding: Male exhibits intensive colouration during
maturation. Females develop a bulged belly when they are sexually mature.
Captive breeding has not been undertaken.
Aquarium requirements: Requires well aerated clear water. It requires larger
tanks as they are always moving from one end of the tank to the other.
Behaviour in captivity: Compatible and peaceful. It dwells towards the middle
of the water column.
Puntius exclamatio Pethiyag

ethiyagoda & Kottelat, 2005
agoda
P. exclamatio, newly described species from River Kallada, Kerala.
Puntius bimaculatus (Bleeker)

Dorsal iv 7-8
Two-spot barb English Anal iii 5
Pectoral i 15
Erupottu Paral Malayalam
Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, more convex dorsally than ventrally,

its depth 2.4 to 3 times in standard length. Head 2.6 to 3.1 times in standard
length. Mouth small, subterminal with thick lower lip; barbels a pair of maxillary
ones only, shorter than eye-diameter. Dorsal fin inserted usually equidistant
between tip of snout and base of caudal fin, often closer to latter; its last
unbranched ray non-osseous, weak and smooth. Scales medium; lateral line
usually complete, with 24 or 25 scales; lateral transverse scale-rows 3½/2½-3½;
predorsal scales 8 to 10.
Colour and size: Back olive-green, flanks and belly silvery; a black spot at base
of third to eighth rays of dorsal fin; another black spot at end of lateral line on
23rd and 24th scales; a crimson lateral band on spawning individuals. It attains a
Food and feeding: Active feeder, prefers insect larvae, readily accepts any food
including pellet feed.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: The pink band on the lateral side of the
male becomes more pronounced when they are sexually mature and they are
slender than females. Spawns on plant thickets and eggs are deposited in the
lower fronts of plant clumps.
Aquarium requirements: It is a very hardy fish. It requires well-aerated water.
Usually it dwells in the column of water.
Behaviour in captivity: This fish is very compatible and peaceful in aquarium.
Puntius bimaculatus
Puntius chola (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Swamp barb, Chola barb English Dorsal iii 8
Karoon, Putti-kendai Tamil Anal ii 5
Kachiparal Malayalam Pectoral i 14
Dhodakarsa Kannada Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body fairly deep and compressed, its lower profile
considerably less convex than upper, its depth 2.8 to 3.1 times in standard
length. Mouth moderate; barbels one short maxillary pair. Dorsal fin inserted
equidistant between snout-tip and base of caudal fin; its last unbranched ray
osseous, fairly strong and smooth. Scales moderate; lateral line complete, with 26
to 28 scales; predorsal scales 10 to 12.
Colour and size: Uniform silky silvery with strong olive-green on back and a
delicate yellowish-sheen on flanks, underside pale; a large, blurred-edged, rosy
spot/blotch on operculum, and often a black blotch behind gill-cover; a deep
black blotch, often framed in gold, near base of caudal-fin; eyes iridescent orange-
red. Dorsal fin yellow to orange, often with brown spots in older individuals;
other fins delicate yellowish. Males have orange tinged pelvic and anal fins. It
attains a maximum size of 12cm.
Food and feeding: Active feeder, readily accepts any food.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Males can be distinguished by the orange-
tinted anal and pelvic fins. All fins in the female are quite clear.
Behaviour in captivity: Compatible and peaceful. Very active swimmer. Dwells
at the middle part of the water column.
Puntius conchonius (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Dorsal iii 7-8
Rosy barb, Red barb English Anal ii-iii 5
Pathupaisa paral Malayalam Pectoral i 18
Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body deep and compressed, its depth 2.2 to 2.5 times
in standard length. Head 4.1 to 4.5 times in standard length. Mouth moderate; no
barbels. Dorsal fin inserted equidistant between tip of snout and base of caudal
fin; its last unbranched ray osseous, moderately strong and serrated. Scales
medium; lateral line incomplete, ceases after 10th to 13th scale; 24 to 26 scales in
longitudinal series.
Colour and size: Back shining olive-green; flanks and belly silvery tinged with
reddish, shining ink-red at spawning time; a deep, slightly ocellated black,
golden-yellow bordered blotch on caudal peduncle at level of trailing edges of
anal fin; in breeding condition, however, the male changes to a lively iridescent
blushing pink. Generally inhabits lakes and streams. It attains a maximum size of
9 cm. A wide range of rosy barb varieties with different colours and finshapes
and even transgenic P. conchonius harbouring flourescent protein genes are
common in aquarium shops.
Food and feeding: Active feeder, readily accepts any food including pellet feed.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: This sizable, hardy and very popular Indian
minnow is most impressively coloured during the mating period, when the
normally silvery male takes on a rich scarlet flush and the slightly larger female
becomes more luminous. It can be easily bred in captivity. It is a prolific breeder
and should be allowed to spawn only in large tanks as many hundreds of fry
would need more space. Matures at 4-6 cm.
Behaviour in captivity: Compatible and peaceful. Very active swimmer. Dwells
at the middle of the tank. The fish is docile and can generally, be kept with
other small fishes.
River Chandragiri, Kerala
Puntius denisonii (Day)

Dorsal ii-iii 8
Denison barb, Ms.Kerala, Red-line Torpedo English Anal iii 5
Pectoral i 14
Chenkaniyan, Chuttiparal Malayalam
Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body rather deep, its depth about 3.75 times in
standard length. Head about 4.5 times in standard length. Mouth small; barbels
one maxillary pair only, longer than orbit. Dorsal fin inserted nearer to tip of
snout than to base of caudal fin; its last unbranched ray non-osseous, weak and
articulated. Scales medium; lateral line complete, with about 28 scales; predorsal
scales 9.
Colour and size: Silvery with a black band, above which runs a horizontal
fluorescent scarlet stripe passing from snout to base of dorsal fin. Caudal fin with
oblique yellow and black bands crossing the posterior-hall of each lobe. Dorsal
fin is anterior in position and with scarlet colouration. It attains a maximum size
of 24 cm. Fishes from River Valapattanam, Iritty, Kerala are more colourful on
their dorsal fins.
Food and feeding: It is basically a vegetarian, but accepts live insects, worms,
mosquito larvae etc. Also accepts pellet feed. It is very shy and in a community
tank special care should be taken to note that this fish gets food. Not an active
feeder. In single species aquarium, it is very active.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: No dimorphic characters could be observed.
Females, when they are mature, have slightly broader abdomen than that of the
male. Mature male oozes out milt when pressed at the vent region. Not bred so
far in captivity.
Aquarium requirements: Needs clear and well-aerated water.
Behaviour in captivity: Peaceful and compatible, very shy. It is a very sensitive
fish, difficult to acclimatize in captive condition.
One of the prettiest barbs, and exhibits stunning colouration. Endemic to Kerala
part of the Western Ghats. The species has won the title “Most Attractive Fish”
in several aquashows both in India and abroad. Popularly named as “Ms.
Kerala”. Taxonomic identity of similarly looking P. chalakkudiensies needs further
confirmation using molecular markers and work on this aspect is being carried
out at NBFGR Unit, Cochin.
P. denisonii from River Valapattanam, Kerala
Punitus fasciatus (Jerdon)

Dorsal iii 8
Melon barb English Anal ii 5
Pectoral i 14
Vazhakkavarayan Malayalam
Ventral i 7
length. Length of head about 3.7 times in standard length. Mouth moderate;
barbels two pairs, rostral pair short and maxillary ones equal to orbit. Dorsal fin
inserted equidistant between tip of snout and base of caudal fin; its last
unbranched ray non-osseous, weak and articulated. Scales medium; lateral line
complete, with 18 to 20 scales; predorsal scales 7.
Colour and size: Deep dull red with three (often four) vertical black bands, the
first below dorsal fin to just below lateral line, second slightly behind base of
dorsal fin and the third just before base of caudal fin. Fins pinkish, edged with
black. It attains a maximum size of 8 cm.
Food and feeding: It feeds

Male
on both natural and
artifical food. Not at all
fussy about food.
Sexual dimorphism and
breeding: Male becomes
brick-red or maroon when
they become mature and
are ready to spawn. They
also develop nuptial
tubercles at the anterior tip of the snout. This colour is intensified during the
actual spawning time. It could be successfully bred in captivity. The breeding
technology is developed by the first author.
Aquarium requirements: It is a very hardy species. But prefers clear and
aerated water. It can thrive well even in non aerated water.
Behaviour in captivity:
It is a very compatible
Female and peaceful fish good
forcommunity aquarium.
Almost similar to the
tiger barbs in appearance
due to the presence of
black bands across the
body.
Puntius melanampyx
(Day) is the synonym of
this species.
Developmental Stages
Puntius filamentosus (Valenciennes)

(Valenciennes)

Black-spot barb, Indian tiger barb English Dorsal iii (iv) 8
Anal ii-iii 5
Chevalle, Moacha-kendai, DMK fish Tamil
Pectoral i 14
Kodiparal, Poovali paral Malayalam
Ventral i 8
length. Head about 4.3 times in standard length. Mouth moderate; barbels a
very small pair of maxillary only, often hidden in grooves round the corners of
mouth. Dorsal fin inserted equidistant between tip of snout and base of caudal
fin, its last unbranched ray non-osseous, weak and smooth; in adult males,
generally five unbranched rays elongated into filaments. Scales large; lateral line
complete, with about 21 scales. Adult males studded with large tubercles on
snout.
Colour and size: A beautiful fish showing various colour patterns at different
stages of life. Adults uniformly silvery to greenish-silvery, somewhat darker
(olive-coloured) above, with a full rainbow sheen by reflected light; a distinctive
dark oval blotch on lateral-line. Fins delicate yellow-greenish; dorsal fin rays
partly dark violet, often dark tipped. Juveniles silvery, with broad deep black
vertical stripes, and orange-red to brick-red fins; caudal fin of half-grown fishes
reddish with a black blotch on each lobe, its tips whitish. It attains a maximum
size of 22cm. One of the largest barbs of India.
Food and feeding: Feed on any food given in the tank. They are basically
vegetarians, accept artificial feed also. The surface is watched constantly and they
feed from the upper column of water hence floating feed is preferable. Usually do
not feed from the bottom. They require plant food.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Males have first few rays of the dorsal fin
elongated when mature. The snout is covered with a patch of large tubercles on
either side in front of the eyes. They are also more brightly coloured during
spawning period. Females have a bulged belly when fully mature. It could be
successfully bred in captivity by the first author. It breeds in ponds or in very
large aquaria, heavily laden with plants.
Aquarium requirements: It is a hardy
Male
species. But require aerated clear water.
The male needs plenty of elbowroom.
Then only they develop their full
beauty. A top lighted tank is preferable.
The fish is comfortable in a subdued,
indirect light.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a
compatible species, very active and moves along all the parts of the water
column. Young ones are very beautiful with the vertical bands on their body.
The tip of tail with black and red colour adds more to its beauty. Since it grows
to a fairly big size, this is also considered as a food fish. This can be
recommended as very good garden fish also.
Developmental stages
The popular name tiger barb for this species comes from the four black vertical
stripes on a silvery body, found in juveniles. As the fish grows, however, three
of the stripes disappear and the last is converted into a distinctive, slightly
elongated horizontal oval spot on the caudal peduncle.
The taxonomic identity of similarly looking Puntius mahecola (popular name
Malini’s barb) needs further studies using DNA markers.
Courtship behaviour of P.filamentosus
Puntius pookodensis Anna Mercy & Eapen Jacob

(Male)
A new species collected and reported by the first author. It was also bred under captivity.
Description of the species is in press.
(Female)
Puntius jerdoni (Day)

Jerdon’s carp English Dorsal iii-iv 8
Saymeen Kannada Anal iii 5
Chameen, Chuttiparal Malayalam Pectoral i 13-14
Potil, Parag Marathi Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body fairly deep, its depth 2.7 to 3 times in standard
length. Head 4.2 to 5 times in standard length. Mouth narrow; barbels two
pairs, maxillary pair equal to orbit, rostral pair slightly shorter. Dorsal fin inserted
equidistant between tip of snout and base of caudal fin; its last unbranched ray
non-osseous, weak and articulated. Scales medium; lateral line complete, with 26
to 32 scales; predorsal scales 12.
Colour and Size: Milky white or glittering silvery body. Fins with fluorescent
orange, tipped with black. It attains a maximum size of 46cm.
Food and feeding: This fish is basically a vegetarian, but accepts artificial feed
also. Prefers live food.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: The female has a smooth snout while the
male has tubercles on the snout. No other dimorphic characters could be
observed. Not bred so far in captivity.
Aquarium requirements: It is a very hardy species. But requires well-aerated

water. It requires plant material as food.
Behaviour in captivity: Another pretty fish from the Western Ghats. Hardy and
peaceful species. Very compatible with other fishes. Moves along all parts of the
aquarium tank. Ideal for community aquariums. Since it grows to a big size it can
be kept in large aquarium tanks and also in garden ponds.
Jerdon’s carp in group
Puntius melanostigma (Day)

Dorsal ii 8
Anal ii 5
Wayanad barb English Pectoral i 14
Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, its depth 2.8 to 3 times in standard

length. Head about 3.75 times in standard length. Mouth small and slightly
subterminal; barbels one maxillary pair only, about half as long as orbit. Dorsal
fin inserted equidistant between tip of snout and base of caudal fin, its last
unbranched ray feebly osseous and smooth. Scales medium; lateral line
complete, with 26 to 28 scales, predorsal scales 8.
Colour and size: Silvery with a light band on flanks; a deep black blotch on
base of caudal-fin. Dorsal and caudal fins grayish. It attains a maximum size of
10cm.
Food and feeding: In nature, this fish is basically a vegetarian, but it will also
accept artificial feed in captivity.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Males develop a scarlet band along its
lateral side extending from behind the opercle to the caudal region. The colour is
more intensified during spawning period. This could be successfully bred under
captive conditions both naturally and with hormonal application. But the young
ones are hard to raise. Most losses occur in the first week of life when there is
insufficient infusoria for them to eat. The courtship behaviour is videographed
and the developmental stages, photographed by the first author. Eggs hatch out
after 18-20 hours after fertilization.
Aquarium requirements: It is a hardy species. But requires well-aerated water.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a shy fish; always wants to hide behind the plants
or leaves. Care should be taken to see that this fish gets food in a community
tank. It feeds from the bottom also.
narayani
Puntius narayani (Hora)

Dorsal iii 9
Narayan barb English Anal iii 6
Pectoral i 13
Narayani Kannada Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: A small, well-built species, the dorsal and ventral

profiles strongly arched, its depth about 2.5 times in standard length. Head short
and blunt, its length about 4 times in standard length. Eyes large, its diameter
about 2.9 times in length of head. Mouth small; lips fleshy and continuous,
studded with minute tubercles; labial groove interrupted in middle; barbels
absent. Dorsal fin inserted nearer to tip of snout than to base of caudal fin; its
last unbranched ray non-osseous, weak and articulated. Scales large; lateral line
complete, with 22 or 23 scales; predorsal scales 8.
Colour and size: Grayish-brown with three vertical black blotches, the first below
origin of dorsal fin, the second below or just behind the dorsal fin and third
above posterior half of anal fin. In life the caudal fin is tipped red along its upper
and lower lobes. It attains a maximum size of 4.7cm.
Another lovely minor carp from the Western Ghats. P.setnai
A closely related species of Narayani–Puntius setnai

Chhapgar and Sane has been reported from Goa.
Puntius fraseri (Hora & Misra)

Dorsal ii 8
Dharna barb English Anal iii 5
Pectoral i 11-12
Kadwi Marathi Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body graceful, fairly deep and slightly compressed, its
depth about 2.8 times in standard length. Head rather small and somewhat
depressed, its length about 3.9 times in standard length. Mouth small; barbels
one short maxillary pair only. Dorsal fin inserted equidistant between tip of snout
and caudal fin base; its last unbranched ray osseous, strong and serrated,
considerably elongated in adult male. Scales small; lateral line incomplete, ceases
after six to nine scales; 42 to 47 scales in longitudinal series.
Colour and size: Yellowish-olive with a silvery streak on flanks; a faint golden
spot on occiput; a small black spot at origin of dorsal fin and another at base of
caudal fin. It attains a maximum size of 6 cm. Due to habitat alternation and
over-exploration, the species has become rare.
Endemic to Sri Lanka
Puntius nigrofasciatus (Gunther)

Dorsal iii 8
Three banded crimson barb, Anal ii-iii 5
Black ruby barb English Pectoral i 12
Ventral i 6
length. Head rather pointed, its length 2.8 to 3.2 times in standard length. Mouth
subterminal and oblique; no barbels. Dorsal fin inserted nearer to base of caudal
fin than to snout tip; its last unbranched ray osseous, moderately strong, smooth
at base but serrated in middle, and with a filamentous tip. Scales medium;
lateral line complete, with 20 to 22 scales; predorsal scales 8.
Colour: During the breeding season yellowish-green with three or four blackish,
wedge-shaped transverse bars which have ill-defined borders and in females often
upper as blotches; head in both sexes with fine crimson; silver edges of scales
give the impression of longitudinal rows of glittering spots. In females only basal
portions of vertical fins dark coloured; the males, however, display a deep black
dorsal fin, a black red anal fin and reddish ventral fins. At spawning time, the
whole anterior part of the body of male turns into magnificent crimson, caudal
peduncle dark, back velvet-green and the rows of spots glittering greenish.
This species is endemic to Sri Lanka and well-known all over the world as an
ornamental variety. The reports of its stray occurrences in Maharashtra can be due
to escape from aquaria.
Puntius ophicephalus (Raj)

Dorsal iii 7
Channa barb English Anal ii-iii 5
Pectoral i 13-15
Eetilakanda Kannada Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and fairly compressed in young, its

depth 3.8 to 4.1 times in standard length. Head broad and depressed
(compressed in young), its length 3.2 to 4 times in standard length. Mouth
moderate and sub inferior; barbels two pairs, rostral pair equal to orbit, maxillary
pair much longer. Dorsal fin inserted nearer to tip of snout than to base of
caudal fin; its last unbranched ray weak, smooth and articulated in its upper part.
Scales small; lateral line complete, with 40 to 42 scales; predorsal scales 15 to 17.
Colour and size: Back rich golden-brown, flanks and abdomen silvery-brown; a
broad dark band runs along lateral line which is composed of fine black spots
on bases of lateral line scales. Fins golden-brown. It attains a maximum size of
17 cm.
Aquarium requirements: Requires well-aerated water.
A critically endangered species confined to selected tributaries of few rivers in
Kerala.
sahyadriensis
Puntius sahyadriensis Silas
Photographs courtesy : ‘Fish Base’ and Dr. E.G. Silas

Dorsal iii 8-9
Khavli barb English Anal iii 5
Pectoral i 12
Khavli Marathi Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: A small well-built carp, its depth 2.6 to 3 times in

standard length. Head rather blunt, its length 3 to 4 times in standard length.
Eyes large, its diameter 2.75 to 3.5 times in head length. Mouth small; lips fleshy
and continuous at angles; barbels absent. Dorsal fin inserted nearer to tip of snout
than to base of caudal fin, its last unbranched ray non-osseous, weak and
articulated. Scales large; lateral line complete, with 23 or 24 scales; lateral
transverse scale-rows 5/4; predorsal scales 8. Males with numerous tubercles on
snout, lower sides of head and ventral surface of body as far back as pelvic-fins.
Colour and size: Silvery with seven vertical dark blotches on flank; scales
generally with a darker margin. During breeding season both the males and
females show brighter colouration. In addition, the females are reddish-brown,
being darker in the anterior and upper half of the body. Pelvic fins black. It
attains a maximum size of 10cm. The species enjoys a good market as aquarium
species outside India.
Puntius sarana subnasutus (Valenciennes)

(Valenciennes)

Dorsal iii 8
Peninsular olive-barb English Anal ii 5
Pectoral i 16
Kuruva, Kuruchi Malayalam Ventral i 7
Distinguishing characters: Body oblong and fairly deep, its depth 2.7 to 2.9
times in standard length. Head fairly small, its length 4.4 to 4.8 times in standard
length. Eyes moderate, its diameter about 3.5 times in head length. Mouth
moderate; barbels two pairs, maxillary pair much longer than orbit, rostral pair
slightly shorter. Dorsal fin inserted equidistant between tip of snout and base of
caudal fin; its last unbranched ray osseous, fairly strong weak in young) and
posteriorly serrated. Scales moderate; lateral line complete, with 28 to 31 scales;
predorsal scales 10.
Colour and size : Silvery on back and upper half of body, fading to white with
gold beneath; most scales with black bases; a dark band behind operculum and
a black blotch on lateral line on about the 24th scale. Fins orange; caudal fin
with a black superior and inferior edge. It attains a maximum size of 30 cm.
Juveniles ornamental; a cultivable food fish owing to fast growth rate.
Food and feeding: It feeds on both natural and artificial food. Not at all fussy
about type of food.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: It can be bred in captivity. The breeding
behaviour has been videographed by the authors of this book and the breeding
and larval rearing technology developed.
Aquarium requirements: It is a hardy species. But prefers clear and aerated
water. It can thrive well even in non aerated water.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a very compatible and peaceful fish, good for
community aquariums. The juveniles are very beautiful as ornamental fish.
Puntius ticto (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Dorsal iii-iv 8
Ticto barb, Firefin barb,
English Anal ii-iii 5
Two-spot barb
Pectoral i 12-14
Kadumkaali Malayalam Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate but older fishes are often high-backed,
its depth 2.4 to 2.9 times in standard length. Head length 3.5 to 4 times in
standard length. Mouth terminal and small; no barbels. Dorsal fin inserted slightly
posterior to pelvic fin origin; its last unbranched ray osseous, fairly strong and
serrated at its posterior edge. Scales medium; lateral line usually complete, often
ceases after six to eight scales; 23 to 25 scales in longitudinal series; lateral
transverse scale-rows 44-5/4; predorsal scales 9 to 11.
Colour and size: Back grey to grassy-green; flanks brilliant shining silver; belly
whitish; a long, transverse black blotch above the pectoral fin and another similar
but golden edged, on caudal peduncle over the end of anal fin. Fins delicate
greenish outside the breeding season; dorsal fin in male with a thick red border,
periphery and eyes golden in colour. It attains a maximum size of 10cm.
Food and feeding: It is an omnivorous fish. Readily accepts any food. But
requires live feed for maturation.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Males can be identified during the breeding
season due to the intensification in the colour patterns. Its red edged dorsal fin
during breeding season is very attractive. The male is the handsome member of
the family with a beautiful dorsal fin when it is mature. Females exhibit bulged
belly.
Aquarium requirements: A popular barb in the aquaria. Eventhough not brightly
coloured, it is a fair-sized fish and easily get acclimatized, very hardy also.
Behaviour in captivity: It is well behaved in community tanks. Always very
active and agile. Can withstand a wide range in pH and less demanding in
aquarium conditions. It is priced for its iridescence and the red edging on its
dorsal fin which takes a deep ruby hue during mating period.
Two sub-species are known based on the differences in lateral line scale count–
P.ticto ticto (widely distributed in India) and P.ticto punctatus (endemic to the
Western Ghats).
Puntius ticto Photograph courtesy : ‘Fish Base’
Puntius sophore (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Spotfin swamp barb English Dorsal iii-iv 8-9
Anal iii 5
Katch-karwa Kannada
Pectoral i 14-16
Undakanni Malayalam
Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body relatively deep, its dorsal profile more convex
than ventral, its depth 2.7 to 3 times in standard length. Head short, its length 3.8
to 4.1 times in standard length. Mouth terminal; no barbels. Dorsal fin inserted
equidistant between tip of snout and base of caudal fin. Scales medium, lateral
line complete, with 22 to 27 scales; lateral transverse scale-rows 4-5/3; predorsal
scales 8 to 10.
Colour and size: Silvery; back grey-green to brownish; flanks with a somewhat
bluish luster, underside white; a deep black round blotch at base of caudal fin, a
similar black blotch on central part of dorsal fin or also on anterior part of body
adjacent to dorsal fin. Fins hyaline in mature females; anal and pelvic fins brick
red in mature males. It attains a maximum size of 13 cm
Food and feeding: It is an omnivorous fish.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Not known, not bred in captivity so far.
water. It can thrive well even in non-aerated water. It swims fast and gets easily
acclimatized.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a compatible and peaceful fish, good for
community aquariums. Moves in the column of water.
Puntius vittatus Day

Kooli barb English Dorsal iii-iv 8-9
Anal iii 5
Karsa Kannada
Pectoral i 14-16
Kaippa Malayalam
Ventral i 8
length. Mouth small and terminal; no barbels. Dorsal fin inserted nearer to
base of caudal fin than to tip of snout; its last unbranched ray weak and entire.
Scales moderate; lateral line incomplete, ceases after three to six scales; scales in
longitudinal series 20 to 22, predorsal scales 6 or 7.
Colour and size: Back yellowish-green, flanks greenish, belly silvery-white; each
scale with a dark base and a silvery edge; a round, gold-bordered, dark blotch
at base of caudal fin. Pectoral fins hyaline; other fins pale yellow to brownish
yellow; base of dorsal fin golden yellow, above it an oblique black, orange-
edged band; minute dots on dorsal and anal fins. It attains a maximum size of 8
cm.
breeding time. The dorsal fin has dark spots, which intensifies during maturation.
Females develop bulged belly. Captive breeding is possible. It naturally breeds
in captivity.
water. It can thrive well even in non-aerated water. It easily gets acclimatized.
remains in the water column. This is one of the smallest barbs. This is a hardy
little fish and can be bred easily. A peaceful species, rather active, but suitable in
the community tank.
Gonoproktopterus curmuca (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Dorsal iv 9
Curmuca barb English Anal iii 5
Pectoral i 15
Kooral Malayalam
Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body fairly deep, the dorsal profile convex and the
ventral profile nearly horizontal, its depth about four times in standard length.
Snout conical; a band subterminal; barbels two maxillary pairs, lower ones as
long as orbit, upper ones half as long. Dorsal fin inserted anterior to origin of
pelvic fins, its last unbranched ray osseous but weak. Scales medium; lateral
line with 38 to 42 scales; predorsal scales 9.
Colour and size: Silvery, lightest on flanks and belly. Caudal fin with blackish
tip; in young middle-third of caudal fin orange, tipped with black. It attains a
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Breeding occurs in small streams with sandy
and weedy bottom. The hatchlings are elongate and transparent with stellate
chromatophores in longitudinal bands. Males develop nuptial tubercles during

breeding period. Breeding technique in captivity has been developed at the
Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kumarakom, Kerala. Eggs are non-
adhesive.
Aquarium requirements: It is not a very hardy fish. It needs well aerated clean
water.
Behaviour in captivity: It moves very actively in lower half of the aquarium.
Juveniles are more beautiful than adults and hence, can be used in aquaria.
Hypselobarbus kurali is the synonym of this species, collected from the west
flowing rivers of the region.
G. curmuca
Gonoproktopterus kolus (Sykes)

Dorsal iv 9
Kolus English Anal iii 5
Kariyan Malayalam Pectoral i 14
Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body relatively deep and compressed, with a

considerable rise in the profile from occiput to dorsal fin, its depth 3.5 to 4 times
in standard length. Eyes large, its upper edge near the dorsal profile, its
diameter 4.2 to 5.5 times in head length. Mouth slightly subterminal; barbels
one pair, extend beyond mid-orbit. Dorsal fin inserted anterior to pelvic fins, its
height about three-fourths of depth of body; its last unbranched ray osseous and
weak. Scales relatively small; lateral line with 40 to 43 scales.
Colour and size: Silvery with a tinge of yellow; in very young fish the brown
colour of the upper parts of head and back often very reddish. Dorsal, anal and
caudal fins tipped with grey. It attains a maximum size of 30cm.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: In adult males patches of well-developed
horny tubercles (‘pearl organs’) on sides of snout, on certain rays of anal fin and
in lower half of caudal fin. In females, only a few small tubercles are often
present on the sides of snout. The males of several species of Gonoproktopterus
type are known to assume brilliant colours during the breeding season but it is
remarkable that in G. kolus it is the female that puts on gaudy colours to attract
the males. Captive breeding technique has not been developed so far.
Gonoproktopterus thomassi (Day)

Dorsal ii-iv 9
Red Canarese barb, Nilgiri Shark English Anal iii 5
Kempu-peruwal Kannada Pectoral i 16
Ventral i 9
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, both dorsal and ventral profiles

equally convex, its depth 3.5 to 4 times in standard length. Eyes moderate, its
diameter 3 to 3.25 times in head. Mouth subinferior; lower labial fold
interrupted; barrels two pairs, maxillary pair slightly shorter than orbit, rostral
pair shorter. Dorsal fin inserted equidistant between tip of snout and base of
caudal fin, its last unbranched ray osseous and weak. Scales medium; lateral
line with 31 to 34 scales.
Colour and size: Silvery along back, each scale with a red lunule; most scales
with a dark base. Dorsal and caudal fins bluish; caudal fin usually edged with
black; anal and pelvic fins bluish, stained with grayish-black. It attains a
Juveniles of the species are very attractive and look similar to the exotic “silver
shark”, but fin borders are reddish in colour. This grows to a large size and
hence ideal for aquaculture.
Osteochilus (Osteochilichthys) nashii (Day)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal iv 11
Nash’s barb English Anal iii 5-6
Pectoral i 14
Machal, Mamal Malayalam
Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body oblong and compressed, its depth 3.2 to 3.6
times in standard length. Snout overhanging mouth, in adults covered by
papillae. Mouth broad and inferior; jaws in young compressed, each with a
cartilaginous covering, with growth the mouth widens and cartilaginous covering
becomes more horny; lips simple and continuous at angles of mouth, lower lip
between lateral portions of labial groove considerably behind tip of lower jaw to
which it is firmly attached and is plicated; barbels absent. Dorsal fin without any
osseous ray. Scales moderate-size; lateral line with 40 to 43 scales.
Colour and size: Reddish-brown along back, abdomen silvery; a black lateral
band from eye to caudal fin. Dorsal fin with a dark band on middle, the band
edged above with scarlet; a dark band on anal fin. Young silvery grey on back,
fading to silvery on sides; lateral band terminates in a dusky blotch at base of
caudal fin. Attains a maximum size of 18cm.
Food and feeding: It is omnivorous in habit but prefers live food. Readily
accepts any food in captive conditions.
Aquarium requirements: Needs well aerated clear water. It is hardy and easily
gets acclimatized. Active swimmer in aquarium.
Behaviour in captivity: Compatible and peaceful fish. Usually dwells towards
the bottom part of the water column.
Cascade, River Chalakkudy, Kerala
Labeo nigrescens Day
(Photograph courtesy: ‘Fish Base’)

Dorsal ii-iii 14-15
Karnataka labeo English Anal ii 5
Mulvel, Kurrimeenu Kannada Pectoral i 18
Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, its dorsal and ventral profiles equally
convex. Snout fairly swollen and rounded, slightly projecting over mouth, with a
small lateral lobe. Eyes moderate, not visible from underside of head, the
diameter 4 to 5 times in head. Mouth subinferior; lower lip deeply fringed, a
distinct labial fold both above and below. Barbels two pairs, maxillary ones as
long as orbit, the rostral ones rather short. Dorsal fin inserted nearer to snout-tip
than to caudal fin base. Pectoral fins long, extend to above the pelvic fins.
Caudal fin deeply forked. Scales moderate; lateral line with 36 scales; lateral
transverse scale-rows 4½ between lateral line and pelvic fin base.
Colour and size: Deep brown with each scale with a black spot at its base.
Fins black. Attains a maximum size of 65 cm. Smaller ones are attractive as
ornamentals.
Labeo potail (Sykes)

Dorsal ii 11-12
Deccan labeo English
Anal ii 5
Dotondi Marathi
Pectoral i 16
Neelarohu Malayalam Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, its dorsal profile slightly more convex
than the ventral. Head length about 5 times in standard length. Snout
overhanging mouth, with a poorly developed lateral lobe, often with fine pores.
Eyes moderate, not visible from underside of head, the diameter 4 to 6 times in
head. Mouth small and inferior; lower labial fold entire, a deep groove across
the chin. Barbels one pair (maxillary) only. Dorsal fin inserted slightly nearer to
snout-tip than to base of caudal fin. Pectoral fins nearly as long as head. Caudal
fin forked, upper lobe longer. Scales moderate; lateral line with 39 or 40 scales;
lateral transverse scale-rows 5½ between lateral line and pelvic fin base.
Colour and size: Bluish scale with a red lunule, Fins grayest. Attains a maximum
size of 30cm; smaller ones are attractive as ornamental.
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Kalbasu, Black rohu English Dorsal iii-iv 13-16
Kakka meen, Kalanchi Malayalam Anal ii-iii 5
Pectoral i 16-18
Macchilu,Kurrimenu Kannada
Ventral i 8
Kakkameen,Karuppusel Tamil
Distinguishing characters: Body stout and rather deep. Head fairly large and
conical, its length less than body depth. Snout depressed and fairly pointed,
devoid of lateral lobe, studded with pores. Eyes moderate, not visible from
underside of head, the diameter about 3.3 times in head. Mouth inferior; lips
thick and conspicuously fringed, both lips with a distinct inner fold. Barbels two
pairs (rostral and maxillary). Dorsal fin with a fairly long base, inserted midway
between snout-line with 40 to 44 scales; lateral transverse scale-rows 5 to 6
between lateral line and pelvic fin base; predorsal scales 15 to 18.
Colour and size: Blackish-green, lighter below; flanks buff pink or with scarlet
spots with dark edges which may form stripes. Fins black; upper lobe of caudal
fin usually tipped with white. Attains a maximum size of 90cm. Smaller ones are
attractive as ornamentals. Transplanted from North Indian rivers.
Food and feeding: Omnivorous. Readily accepts any food in captivity.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Can be bred in large cement tanks with
hormone administration during monsoon.
Aquarium requirements: This can be easily acclimatized to captive conditions.
Behaviour in captivity: It is very compatible and peaceful. Remains towards the
bottom of the tank.
Lepidopygopsis typus Raj

Dorsal iv 7
Peninsular Hill trout English Anal iii 5
Brahmana-kenda Malayalam Pectoral i 13-15
Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and compressed. Head moderately

large and somewhat compressed; snout conical. Eyes fairly large. Mouth inferior,
fairly broad and transverse, but curved at angles; jaws feebly protractile; upper
lip thin, continuous with lower lip which is developed only laterally at corners of
mouth. Pharyngeal teeth in three rows, 4-5.3.2/2.3.4-5. Gill rakers 10 to 12, short.
Dorsal fin short; last undivided ray osseous, stout and strongly denticulated
along the two sides of its posterior margin. Scales thin, cycloid, imbricate and
firmly adherent; no scales on head, only a few on anterior part of the body
consisting of a patch on scapular region, a few scattered scales on base of dorsal
spine, and a continuous row of enlarged scales along lateral line; elongated tile-
like scales forming a sheath to vent and base of anal fin. Lateral line complete
and decurved, with 54 to 60 scales.
Colour and size: Back olive-brown, flanks and ventral surface of body silvery;
iris silvery. Dorsal, caudal and distal half of anal fin olive-green; anterior half of
anal fin dusky; terminal half of dorsal fin with a broad indistinct dusky band;
caudal lobes dusky; paired fins hyaline. It attains a maximum size of 25 cm.
Only Schizothoracid species reported from Peninsular India; critically endangered.
Garra gotyla stenorhynchus (Jerdon)

Dorsal iii 7-8
Nilgiris garra English Anal ii 5
Kallotty, Kallunthi Malayalam Pectoral i 14
Ventral i 8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and subcylindrical, its depth 5 to 5.3

times in standard length. Head much depressed, its length 3.8 to 4.5 times in
standard length; interorbital convex, its width 1.9 to 2.5 times in head length.
Snout with a well-developed median proboscis and a transverse lobe at tip; free
extremity of proboscis, transverse lobe and lateral sides of head in front of
nostrils covered with several large horny tubercles. Mouth arched; mental disc
well-developed. Barbels two pairs, anterior ones as long as or shorter than eye-
diameter, posterior barbels much shorter. Dorsal fin inserted nearer snout-tip than
to caudal fin base. Pectoral fin equal to or considerably shorter than head length.
Scales moderate size; lateral line with 32 to 35 scales; lateral transverse scale-
rows 3½-4½/3½; predorsal scales 8 to 10; breast and belly scaled.
Colour and size: Bluish-gray above, paler on flanks and belly; a mid-lateral band
in juveniles; a black spot at upper angle of gill-opening, and a row of dark spots
at base of branched dorsal fin-rays. Maximum size 15 cm.
can hold, not at all fussy about food. Feed from the bottom. The transverse lobe
at the anterior end of the snout may be misunderstood as the mouth opening.
Mouth is ventral. Prefers insect larvae.
water. It can thrive well even in non-aerated water. It easily gets acclimatized.
Behaviour in captivity: Mostly remain towards the bottom of the tank. It is
compatible and well suited for community aquariums.
River Muvattupuzha, Kerala
Garra hughi Silas

Dorsal ii 7
Anal ii 5
Cardamon garra English
Pectoral i 11-13
Ventral i 7-8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and slender, its depth 4.7 to 6.7 times
in standard length. Head broad, its length 3.7 to 4.7 times in standard length;
snout broadly rounded and smooth. Mouth broad; mental disc well-developed.
Barbels two pairs, shorter than the eye-diameter; maxillary pair short and stumpy.
Dorsal fin inserted almost midway between tip of snout and caudal fin base.
Pectoral fins as long as head, or slightly longer. Scales fairly large; lateral line
with 36 to 38 scales; lateral transverse scale-rows 5-5½/3-3½; back (mid-dorsal
streak), breast and belly naked; post-pelvic region scaled. Distance of vent from
anal fin 1.7 to 2.7 times in inter-distance between origin of pelvic fins and fin.
Colour and size: Upper half of body and sides grayish, ventral side and belly
yellowish-white; a dark conspicuous lateral band from gill-opening to base of
caudal fin which usually ends in a dusky blotch; a second band present along
scaleless area of dorsum. Fins dirty-white or dusky; upper surface of outer rays
of paired fins dark grayish. It attains a maximum size of 7.5cm.
mully
Garra m ullyaa (Sykes)
ully

Mullya garra English
Dorsal iii 7-8
Pondipakka Kannada
Mally Maratti Anal I-ii 5
Kallu-koravai Tamil Pectoral i 12-15
Kallu-nakki Malayalam Ventral i 7-8
Distinguishing characters: Body slightly flattened, its depth 3.8 to 4.3 times in
standard length. Head somewhat flattened on under-surface; mouth rounded and
smooth, with the tip marked off by a deep transverse groove; interorbital region
somewhat convex, its width 1.8 to 2.3 times in head length. Mouth small;
suctorial disc small but well-marked, its width 1.5 to 2.2 times in head width.
Barbels two pairs; rostral pair as long as or slightly shorter than eye-diameter,
maxillary pair shorter than rostral ones. Dorsal fin inserted nearer tip of snout
than to caudal fin base. Pectoral fins shorter than head length. Caudal fin slightly
emarginate. Scales moderate-size; lateral line with 32 to 34 scales; lateral
transverse scale-rows 4½/3½; predorsal scales 9 to 11; breast and belly often
naked. Distance of vent from anal fin 3.6 to 3.8 times in inter-distance between
pelvic fin origin and anal fin base.
Colour and size: Upper surface of head and body, and flanks darkish; a broad
lateral band on sides, bordered above and below by incomplete dark narrow
lateral stripes especially in posterior half of the body; belly dull white; a
distinct black spot just behind the angle of operculum; a dusky blotch at caudal
fin base. It attains a maximum size of 17cm.
Food and feeding: It is an omnivorous fish.

Since they are mainly vegetarians they avidly
devour artificial feed. It is an algae eater. Its
fantastically large ventral suctorial lips are
well adapted to scrounging around for algae.
Because of its algae eating habit it is a good
glass cleaner. It browses algae from the glass
surface.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: No clear
cut sexual dimorphism could be observed, but
females can be identified by the bulged belly
when mature. Male oozes out milt on gentle
press on the belly. Captive breeding could be
accomplished by the first author by hormonal
application.
Aquarium requirements: Needs well-aerated water. It can be easily acclimatized
to captivity.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a bottom feeder. But it is quite interesting to watch
it browsing algae from the glass surface, drift wood kept in tanks and leaves
without damaging them.
Garra surendranathanii Shaji, Arun & Easa
Garra surendranathanii, a new species of Garra recorded from River Chalakkudy,

Kerala.
Courtship behaviour and spawning of G. mullya
FAMILY
Balitoridae
P opularly known as ‘loaches’. The fishes of this family
are beautiful ornamental fishes, mostly dwelling towards
the bottom of aquarium tanks. Freshwater loaches of the
Western Ghats of India belong to the families of Balitoridae
and Cobitidae of the order Cypriniformes. The streams and
rivers originating from the Western Ghats of India harbor
about 37 species of loaches, which are endemic to the
region. They are usually slender and have worm-like
bodies. They are provided with a ventral mouth and
barbels. The varied colour pattern due to blotches, bars and
saddle-shaped bands make them more attractive and hence
suitable for aquariums. They are hardy and well adaptive in
tropical aquariums. There is no difficulty in feeding these
loaches as they consume almost anything offered.
Bhavania australis (Jerdon)

Dorsal ii 7-9
Western Ghat loach English Anal iii 5-6
Pectoral vi-viii 9-11
Kalveli Malayalam Ventral ii 7-8
Distinguishing characters: Head and anterior part of body greatly depressed,
the ventral surface flat and horizontal. Head broad and rounded, almost
trenchant, covered with short, hard, spine-like growths. Mouth small, inferior;
lips thick and fleshy. Barbels three short, stumpy pairs; two pairs rostral and one
pair maxillary. Gill-openings small, spout-like apertures, restricted above base of
pectoral fins. Dorsal fin short. Paired fins broad, wing-like and horizontal. Caudal
fin forked. Scales small; lateral line with 70 to 75 scales.
Colour and size: Usually dark on dorsal surface, with black
spots, irregularly distributed on body but form regular rows
on fins. It attains a maximum size of 9cm.
Food and feeding: It is an algae eater. Always sticks to glass
walls of aquarium and feed from the glass surface or from
the surface of stones and leaves. It does not accept artificial
feed in captivity.
Aquarium requirements: Difficult to maintain in aquarium
conditions. Studies made by the authors show that they do
not thrive well in aquarium for more than one month.
Behaviour in captivity: It is compatible and peaceful,
always sticks on the glass surface.
Homaloptera montana Herre
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAME
Dorsal ii-7
Anal ii 5
Anamalai loach English Pectoral iv 8
Ventral ii 6-7
Distinguishing characters: Body slender, its depth 6.4 to 8.2 times in standard
length. Head about as broad as long, its length 3.8 to 5 times in standard length;
snout descends steeply with rather flat tip. Eyes moderately large, about 4.5
times in head. Mouth small and inferior, with fleshy lips, upper lip well-
developed and overhanging the lower. Barbels three pairs, small and
inconspicuous. Dorsal fin inserted well behind origin of pelvic fins, its origin
almost equidistant between tip of snout and base of caudal fin. Pectoral fins
extend to pelvic fin base. Caudal fin emarginate. Scales small; head and entire
ventral surface of body scaleless; lateral line scales about 72.
Colour and size: Brown, the underside yellow; ten dark short bars across the
back; a poorly defined dark longitudinal stripe below lateral line from eye to
base of caudal fin; top of head very dark brown. A blackish brown spot on
pelvic-fin base; caudal fin with a blackish blotch at its base, and another near its
tip; other fins hyaline. It attains a maximum size of 8cm.
Food and feeding: Feeds on algae. Do not accept artificial feed.
Aquarium requirements: Requires algae attached to surfaces and hence it is very
difficult to feed them properly.
Behaviour in captivity: Compatible and peaceful but difficult to maintain for
longer periods in aquarium tanks.
ravancoria
Trav elongata
ancoria elongata Pethiyag
ethiyagoda & Kottelat
agoda
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAME Dorsal ii 7-8
Anal i 4-5
Pectoral vi 9-10
Travancore loach English
Ventral ii 6-7
Distinguishing characters: Head and body strongly depressed. Head and

abdomen ventrally flat. Head 1.7-1.9 times wider than deep. Mouth inferior,
small, arched; jaws covered by a horny sheath; upper lip uninterrupted, fleshy,
smooth, continuous around corners of mouth and extending slightly along lower
jaw; lower lip not continuous with upper lip, restricted to a medial pad barely
covering lower jaw and followed posteriorly by two prominent, fleshy papillae;
barbels three pairs; two short, fleshy and strongly papillated rostral barbels barely
reaching upper jaw, and a similar maxillary pair at the angle of the mouth.
Colour and size: Body colour greenish-brown, with dark brown spots, as large
as or larger than eye, arranged in three rows: the largest spots arranged in a row
along the back, three between occiput and dorsal origin (two sometimes
coalesced into a single elongate blotch on dorsal base), seven between dorsal
and caudal fin; a row of smaller spots, less distinct, centered more or less on the
lateral line along each side; a row of 18-19 eye-sized spots along the lower
margin of the flank, between pectoral and caudal, the anteriormost ones
sometimes coalescing; fins similarly dotted on each ray, giving the appearance of
transverse bars, the pectoral with five series, the pelvic with four series, the
dorsal and anal each with two, the lower caudal lobe with six and the upper
caudal lobe with three or four. This colour pattern is more evident in the smaller
specimens, the blotches being more coalesced in the large specimens to give an
uneven, mottled appearance. Ventral side creamy white. Ground colour of head
is darker brown than body, mottled with several small, blackish spots. Attains a
length of 10 cm.
Food and feeding: Algae eater. Do not accept artificial feed.
Aquarium requirements: Requires well aerated water. It is easy to maintain them
in an aquarium having algae grown glass surface. In such tanks they survive for
longer periods. They also survive well in outdoor cement tanks with rich algae
growth on their sides. They remain hidden behind stones or drift woods except
for feeding.
Behaviour in aquarium: It is compatible and peaceful but not active. It is very
sluggish. Most of the time they remain vertically attached to the glass surface with
their sucker-like mouth. It is quite interesting to watch them moving through the
surface of glass walls, browsing on algae.
River Kabani, Kerala
ravancoria
Travancoria jonesi Hora
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAME Dorsal ii 7-8
Anal i 4-5
Pectoral vi 9-10
Travancore loach English
Ventral ii 6-7
Distinguishing characters: Head and greater part of body depressed, the tail
somewhat compressed. Head broadly pointed anteriorly, covered with series of
short, hard, spine-like growths. Mouth small and inferior; lips well-developed and
free from jaws. Seven rostral barbels and two maxillary barbels. Paired fins
broad, wing-like and horizontal. Caudal fin forked. Scales small; lateral line with
75 to 77 scales, dorsal and lateral scales in anterior region slightly keeled in
middle.
Colour and size: Dark above and pale below in flattened part; along the dorsal
surface a series of 8 to 10 broad, saddle-shaped spots while head and sides of
body are mottled with black spots of different sizes and pattern, some of which
form a black band along the lateral line. Fins with series of spots, especially
along the middle. It attains a maximum size of 8 cm.
Food and feeding: It is like the other species of the genera, an algae eater.
Aquarium requirements: Requires well aerated water. Difficult to maintain for
long time due to the difficulty in feeding.
Behaviour in aquarium: It is compatible and peaceful but not active. It is very
sluggish. Most of them remain vertically, attached to the glass surface with their
sucker like mouth.
Acanthocobitis moreh (Sykes)

Dorsal iii 9-10
Moreh loach English Anal iii 5
Pectoral i 11
Koima, Koitha Malayalam Ventral i 7
Distinguishing characters: Body spindle-shaped, its depth 4 to 4.1 times in

standard length. Eyes large, not visible from underside of head. Nostrils close to
each other. Mouth semicircular; lips fleshy, upper lip with a few rows of papillae,
lower lip interrupted in middle with two, rounded, raised clusters of small
papillae situated on each side of cleft of lower jaw. Barbels well developed; nasal
pair short. Dorsal fin inserted nearer to snout-tip than base of caudal fin. Caudal
fin slightly emarginate. Lateral line incomplete, ending opposite to posterior end
of dorsal fin.
Colour and size: Body marked with several broad black bands and spots. Fins
are also marked with dark streaks on their rays. Attains a length of 4.4 cm.
Food and feeding: It is omnivorous, but prefers insect larvae. Accepts artificial
feed in captivity.
Aquarium requirements: Needs well aerated clear water. Requires hiding places
for comfortable settlement in the tank.
Behaviour in aquarium: Remains towards the bottom part of the tank.
Compatible and peaceful.
Nemacheilus anguilla Annandale

Dorsal iii 8
Eel loach English Anal ii 4
Pectoral i 13
Koitha, Koima Malayalam
Ventral i 7
Distinguishing characters: Body rather elongate and of uniform depth, its depth
6 to 9.9 times in standard length. Eyes large, somewhat visible from underside of
head. Nostrils close to each other; anterior nostrils slightly tubular. Mouth
semicircular, lips moderately fleshy and deeply furrowed, upper lip provided with
a pair of barbel-like processes and interrupted with a median incision, lower lip
interrupted in middle. Barbels relatively long and thread-like. Dorsal fin inserted
almost equidistant between snout-tip and base of caudal fin. Pelvic fins extend to
anal-opening. Caudal fin deeply forked, with pointed lobes. Scales small and
imbricate, indistinct in anterior part of body, absent on ventral surface; lateral
line almost complete, well marked up to tip of pelvic fin. Vent situated at some
distance in front of anal fin.
Colour and size: Dull green with 19 or 20 saddle-shaped vertical bands, as wide
as interspaces, restricted to back; a row of large blackish spots or blotches
running as a band along mid-lateral line, often coalescing, extending to caudal
fin. Dorsal fin with an anterior scarlet border; caudal fin edged both above and
below with red. It attains a length of 5cm.
Food and feeding: Omnivorous. Accepts artificial feed under captivity.
Aquarium requirements: Requires well aerated clear water. Hiding places are
essential for comfortable settlement in aquariums.
Behaviour in captivity: Remains towards the bottom part of the tank. It is a
compatible and peaceful species.
Nemacheilus monilis Hora

Dorsal iii 7
Moniliform loach English Anal ii 5
Pectoral i 10
Koima Malayalam Ventral i 6-7
Distinguishing characters: Body rather elongate and of uniform depth, its depth
about eight times in standard length. Eyes small, not visible from underside of
head. Nostrils close to each other; anterior nostrils somewhat tubular. Mouth
semicircular; lips moderately fleshy and poorly furrowed, upper lip raised into a
short proboscis in middle, lower lip interrupted in middle. Barbels relatively long
and thread-like. Dorsal fin inserted slightly nearer base of caudal fin than to
snout-tip. Pelvic fins separated from anal-opening by a considerable distance.
Caudal fin deeply forked, with pointed lobes. Scales small and imbricate,
indistinct in anterior part of body, absent on ventral surface; lateral line complete.
Vent situated some distance in front of anal fin.
Colour and size: Dirty white and somewhat infuscated along back; a distinct
moniliform black band along lateral line from tip of snout to base of caudal fin,
interrupted by eye in its course; the last component of black spots in the series
more prominent; the band continued as a black streak in middle of caudal fin;
barbels streaked with black. Fins whitish. It attains a maximum size of 8cm.
Food and feeding: Omnivorous. Food is no problem for them. They relish
mosquito larvae, boiled egg yolk and artificial feed. Usually they feed from the
bottom, but if they are too hungry they swim up to the upper parts of water
column when food is provided. If they are too hungry they do not wait for the
food to reach the bottom. Recommended food is sinking pellets, earthworms,
live food like mosquito larva, moina and of course boiled chicken egg yolk.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Females develop bulged belly when they are
mature. Breeding techniques developed for Nemacheilus triangularis can be
applied for this species also.
Aquarium requirements: They are more active than other laoches. Usually roam
around the tank in search of food.
Behaviour in captivity: They always dwell at the bottom of the tank. They are
compatible and peaceful, and it is quite interesting to note that they come out of
the hiding places when food is given. They are playful and friendly fish, prefer
to hide and will be comfortable only when hiding places are provided in the
tank.
Nemacheilus monilis
Schistura denisoni denisoni (Hora)

Dorsal iii 8
Denisonii loach English Anal ii 5
Pectoral i 10
Pambu loach Malayalam
Ventral i 6
Distinguishing characters: Body of uniform depth, its depth 5.3 to 7.3 times in
standard length. Eyes small, not visible from underside of head. Nostrils close to
each other, anterior tubular. Mouth semicircular; lips fleshy, lower weakly
furrowed and interrupted. Barbels well-developed, thread-like, as long as eye-
diameter. Dorsal fin inserted equidistant between snout-tip and base of caudal
fin, often slightly nearer caudal fin base. Pelvic fins touching anal-opening or
close to it. Caudal fin deeply emarginate. Scales small, imbricate posteriorly,
close-set in the middle, scattered interiorly, absent on the under surface; lateral
line incomplete, ending at origin to middle of dorsal fin.
Colour and size: Body marked with 12 or 13 broad vertical bands with an equal
number of narrow pale interspaces; a black band at base of caudal fin; and a
blackish spot at origin of dorsal fin base. Dorsal fin with two rows of spots;
caudal fin with four rows of well-marked spots; other fins unspotted. Attains a
Food and feeding: Omnivorous in feeding habit. It prefers live food, but readily
accepts artificial feed also.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Male has a small hook-like structure on its
head. Female develops bulged belly when becomes mature. Male and female can
be easily identified by their body shape, when they are mature.
Aquarium requirements: Needs well aerated water. They are comfortable in the
tank only when some hiding places are provided.
Behaviour in captivity: Peaceful and compatible. Always dwells at the bottom of
the tank, hiding among pebbles, drift wood or under big stones.
Two sub-species, S.denisoni mukambbikaensis (Menon) and S.denisoni
pambaensis (Menon) have also been reported from River Kollur in Karnataka
and River Pampa in Kerala respectively.
Schistura nilgiriensis (Menon)

Dorsal iii 8
Nilgiri loach English Anal ii 6
Pectoral i 10
Nilgiri koima Malayalam Ventral i 6
each other, anterior tubular. Mouth semicircular; lips moderately fleshy, lower
furrowed and interrupted in middle. Barbels well-developed, thread-like. Dorsal
fin inserted equidistant between snout-tip and base of caudal fin. Pelvic fins
separated from anal-opening by a considerable distance. Caudal fin slightly
emarginate. Scales minute, isolated in posterior-third of body, absent anteriorly in
front of dorsal fin and on ventral side; lateral line incomplete, terminating
opposite to middle of pectoral fin.
Colour and size: Body marked with 11 or 12 light brown bands, broader than
pale interspaces; generally the bands are split up to 17 bands by the appearance
of pale streaks in their middle along the dorsal surface; upper surface of head
dusky, and its under surface dull white; a dark band at base of caudal fin, while
in younger specimens there is a prominent spot in the middle of the band.
Dorsal fin with a light margin bounded below by a jet black band and having a
dark base. It attains a maximum size of 6 cm.
Food and feeding: It is omnivorous. They enjoy mosquito larvae, boiled egg yolk
and artificial feed. They feed from the bottom, hence care should be taken to
note that the feed reaches the bottom in a community tank.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: As in the case of other loaches, females

develop bulged belly when they are mature. Posterior part of the body of male
becomes pink in colour when they are mature. Not bred in captivity so far.
Aquarium requirements: They become comfortable only when provided with
convenient hiding places.
compatible and peaceful and it is quite interesting to note that they come out of
the hiding places when food is given.
Silent Valley National Park – An aerial view
Schistura semiarmatus (Day)

Dorsal ii-iii 8
Armatus loach English Anal ii 5
Pectoral i 10
Koitha Malayalam Ventral i 6
Distinguishing characters: Body fairly elongate, its depth 5.8 to 7.9 times in
each other, anterior tubular. Mouth semicircular; lips thick, fleshy and furrowed,
lower lip interrupted in middle. Barbels well developed and thread-like, as long
as eye-diameter. Dorsal fin inserted slightly nearer to tip of snout than caudal fin
base. Caudal fin slightly forked. Scales small, imbricate all over sides and upper
surface of body; lateral line complete.
Colour and size: Body and sides of head with conspicuous, irregularly scattered
black dots; young devoid of dots but marked with 12 or 13 bands (as wide as
interspaces), more distinct posteriorly, and rows of black dots on dorsal and
caudal fins; the bands in the anterior region coalesce with growth, and those of
posterior region become much wider than interspaces; a black band below eye
and another in front of it running below nostrils. Dorsal fin with three rows of
dots; anal fin with a row of dots; ventral fins and caudal fin also with several
rows of dots. It attains a maximum size of 8 cm.
Food and feeding: Food is no problem for them. They enjoy mosquito larvae,
boiled egg yolk and artificial feed. They feed from the bottom, hence care should
be taken to note that the feed reaches bottom in a community tank.
mature. Male develops pink colour when mature and it is intensified during
courtship behaviour. Captive breeding is possible. The first author has
successfully bred it in captivity, but survival rate was less. Further trials are in
progress.
convenient hiding places.
Behaviour in captivity: They always dwell at the bottom of the tank. Never
come to the top layers of water column. They are compatible and peaceful, and
it is quite interesting to note that they come out of the hiding places when food
is given. They try to swim up to the top layers of the water column at the smell
of food when they are too hungry.
Courtship behaviour
Longischistura striata (Day)

Dorsal ii 9-10
Loach English Anal ii 5
Pectoral i 10
Varayan Koima, Varayan Koitha Malayalam Ventral i 6
Distinguishing characters: Body slender with both dorsal and ventral profiles
almost straight and horizontal, its depth 5 to 8.1 times in standard length. Eyes
small, not visible from underside of head. Nostrils close to each other, anterior
tubular. Mouth semicircular; lips moderately fleshy, poorly furrowed, lower lip
interrupted in middle; area immediately behind lower lip thickened and fairly
grooved forming a sort of mental adhesive apparatus. Barbels long and narrow.
Dorsal fin inserted slightly nearer snout-tip than to base of caudal fin. Caudal fin
deeply forked. Scales small, prominent all over body except on under surface;
lateral line complete.
Colour and size: Body marked with 16 to 20 vertical bands encircling body,
wider than interspaces; a black band at base of caudal fin. Dorsal fin with a
black edge and a light posterior margin and a dark base, one or two rows of
bands across fin; anal fin with dull black spots; two rows of spots on caudal fin.
It attains a maximum size of 4cm.
Aquarium requirements: Requires well-aerated clear water.
Behaviour in captivity: Very active and fast swimming. Dwells towards the
bottom of the tank and as in the case of other loaches, it also prefers to hide
among pebbles.
Mesonemacheilus guentheri (Day)

Dorsal ii 8
Guenther’s loach English Anal ii 5
Pectoral i 10
Distinguishing characters: Body somewhat subcylindrical with head and anterior

part of body fairly flattened. Eyes small, not visible from underside of head.
Nostrils close to each other; anterior nostrils slightly tubular. Mouth semicircular;
lips fleshy and deeply furrowed, lower lip interrupted in middle. Barbels well-
developed. Dorsal fin inserted equidistant between tip of snout and caudal fin
base. Caudal fin forked. Scales small, imbricate in posterior-third of body, isolated
anteriorly in front of dorsal fin, absent on ventral side of body; lateral line
almost complete, ending above anal fin.
Colour and size: Dark brown with three rows of whitish spots of different sizes
and form; a deep short vertical bar at base of caudal fin; a spot on dorsal fin
origin. Dorsal and caudal fins with three or four rows of spots. Attains a length
of 6 cm.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Males and females can be identified when
they are sexually mature. Females develop bulged belly. Males develop red
colour on their caudal fin on attaining maturity.
Aquarium requirements: Needs clear and well-aerated water. As in the case of
other loaches they also remain towards the bottom of tanks. They are comfortable
only when hiding places are provided.
Mesonemacheilus herrei Nalbant & Banarescu
M. herrei–a rare species of loach recorded from Anamalai Hills, Valparai, Tamil Nadu.
Mesonemacheilus petrubanarescui (Menon)

FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal iii 8
Anal ii 5
Banarescu loach English
Pectoral i 10
Banarescu koima Malayalam
Ventral i 7
each other, anterior tubular. Mouth semicircular, lips moderately fleshy, lower lip
deeply furrowed and interrupted in middle. Barbels well developed. Dorsal fin
inserted almost equidistant between tip of snout and caudal fin base. Caudal fin
deeply forked.
Colour and size: Body marked with seven or eight broad saddle-shaped black
bands on back, posterior four extending as narrow bands a short distance below
lateral line; flanks marked by a varying number of bands, fairly broad behind
dorsal fin, anteriorly broken up into
several narrow bands; an intensively black
rectangular black patch at middle of caudal
fin base. Dorsal fin with a row of dark
spots; and caudal fin with two dark-shaped
bands. It attains a maximum size of 3.5cm.
Mesonemacheilus pulchellus (Day)

Dorsal iii 8
Nilgiri loach English Anal ii 6
Pectoral i 10
Koima Malayalam Ventral i 6
Distinguishing characters: Body somewhat subcylindrical, its depth 4.2 to 4.6

times in standard length. Eyes small, not visible from underside of head.
Nostrils close to each other; anterior nostrils slightly tubular. Mouth semicircular;
lips moderately fleshy and deeply furrowed, both lips interrupted in middle.
Barbels well-developed, stumpy at base, thread-like at ends. Dorsal fin inserted
equidistant between snout-tip and base of caudal fin. Caudal fin deeply forked.
Scales small, imbricate all over body, distinct posteriorly, absent on ventral side;
lateral line complete.
Colour and size: Body marked with two rows of oval yellow spots having deep
black margins, restricted to upper two-thirds of body; behind dorsal fin these
spots become vertical bands, two thirds as wide as ground colour, extending to
belly; a crescent-shaped spot behind and below eye; one oblique band along
opercle. Dorsal fin with two wide black bands along its centre; a band across
anal fin; and caudal fin with three or four oblique black bands. It attains a
Mesonemacheilus triangularis (Day)

Dorsal ii 8
Triangularis loach English Anal ii 5
Pectoral i 10
Koima Malayalam Ventral i 7
Distinguishing characters: Body subcylindrical, its depth 5 to 8.5 times in

standard length. Eyes small, not visible from underside of head. Nostrils separated
by a prominent flap. Mouth semicircular; lips fleshy and furrowed, lower
interrupted in middle. Barbels well developed. Dorsal fin inserted about
equidistant between snout-tip and base of caudal fin. Caudal fin forked. Scales
distinct, imbricate all over body; lateral line most complete, reaching up to
caudal peduncle. Vent a short distance from anal fin.
Colour and size: Varies considerably with age; ground colour grayish with
yellowish bands edged with black on body, usually seven, the anterior five
directed obliquely backwards, and last two vertical; several yellowish patches of
different patterns above lateral line; a dusky blotch on base of caudal fin. Dorsal
and caudal fins with two bands each; and anal and pelvic fins with one each. It
attains a maximum size of 8 cm.
Food and feeding: They eat anything like worms, flakes or moina. They also
enjoy mosquito larvae, boiled egg yolk and artificial feed. They feed from the
bottom, hence care should be taken to note that the feed reaches the bottom in
a community tank.
mature. The first author could successfully develop captive breeding technique for
this species. Young ones become mature when they are one year old.

convenient hiding places. To make them comfortable we provided them with
pieces of PVC pipes in the tank bottom, so that they would do better in the
tanks.
Behaviour in captivity: They always dwell at the bottom of the tank. Never
come to the top layers of water column. They are compatible and peaceful, and
it is quite interesting to note that they come out of the hiding places when food
is given. They seem to be doing better in groups, though they do not spend all
the time together. This species easily get scared by any movement.
Male
Female
Mesonemacheilus remadevii Shaji

Dorsal ii 8
Anal ii 5
Remadevi’s loach English
Pectoral i 12
Ventral i 6
Distinguishing characters: Body is elongate and depth of the body at dorsal

origin is (16.30-19.16) 17.68% in SL. Dorsal fin is inserted midway between the
caudal base and snout tip or slightly nearer to the caudal base. Predorsal
distance is (50.83-52.17) 51.56% in SL. Caudal peduncle is narrow and the least
height of the caudal peduncle is (12.06-15.83) 13.48% in SL. Caudal fin is forked
and the lobes are rounded. Barbels are long and thread like. The lips are deeply
furrowed.
Colour and size: The background is yellowish-white. Three of the specimens are
with three to eight round spots along the flanks and upper half of the body.
These spots are absent in some. Dorsal side is with solid dark bars of various
shapes from straight to angular, which may extend down to the middle of the
body in some specimens. Both the median and paired fins are plain. Microscopic
examination shows minute black pigments scattered on the fin elements and in
the membranes between them, which are prominent in the dorsal fin. An
elongated black patch is present at the caudal fin base. Attains a length of 7.4
cm.
Mesonemacheilus menoni (Minimol & Zacharias)

A new species of attractive loach reported
from River Periyar, Kerala; commonly
known as ‘Periyar blotched loach’ or
‘Manal poolan’
Nemacheilichthys ruppelli (Sykes)

Dorsal iii 10 (11)
Ruppel’s loach English Anal ii 5
Pectoral i 12
Ventral i 7
Distinguishing characters: Body fairly elongate, its depth 5 to 6.5 times in

standard length. Eyes prominent, not visible from underside of head. Nostrils
close to each other, anterior slightly tubular. Snout long and pointed, longer than
posterior portion of head. Mouth semicircular; lips moderately fleshy, deeply
furrowed, lower interrupted in middle and papillated. Barbels well-developed,
nasal barbels short. Dorsal fin inserted equidistant between snout-tip and base of
caudal fin. Caudal fin deeply forked. Scales imbricate, absent on ventral side of
body; lateral line complete. Vent situated far forwards, considerably anterior to
anal fin.
Colour : Greenish-yellow above, white below; 18 or 19 brownish vertical bands
on body, reaching below lateral line but not to ventral side; short brown bands
along lateral line forming a lateral stripe. Dorsal fin with three rows of spots;
caudal fin with four or five posteriorly directed V-shaped bands.
Oreonectes evezardi (Day)

Dorsal iii 7
Evezardi loach English Anal ii 5
Pectoral i 10-11
Distinguishing characters: Body subcylindrical, loach-like and of almost uniform

depth, its depth 5.7 to 8.7 times in standard length. Eyes rather minute, not
visible from underside of head. Nostrils closer to eye than to tip of snout;
anterior nostrils barbel-like. Mouth semicircular; lips fleshy and moderately
furrowed, both lips interrupted in middle. Barbels well-developed, nasal pair
extends to beyond middle of eye but usually not to posterior edge. Dorsal fin
inserted nearer to base of caudal fin than snout-tip. Caudal fin rounded. Scales
small, well-developed and imbricate, covering the entire body including breast;
lateral line short, ending above middle of pectoral fin.
Colour and size: Greenish or yellowish with 9 to 18 (usually 14 or 15) brown

vertical stripes from back to ventral side, the stripes often interrupted or
incomplete, some fairly curved and oblique, others V-or Y -shaped; big round
spots on head; a vertical dark stripe at base of caudal fin; a small black spot at
base of dorsal-fin origin. Dorsal fin with two or three rows of spots; caudal fin
with three or four rows of dark spots; other fins unspotted. Attains a length of 3.8
cm.
Oreonectes keralensis Rita & Nalbant

Dorsal iii 7
Kerala loach English Anal ii 5
Pectoral i 10
Koitha, koima Malayalam Ventral i 6-7
Distinguishing characters: Body subcylindircal, of uniform depth, its depth 5.7 to

7.5 times in standard length. Eyes small, not visible from underside of head.
Nostrils close to each other, situated nearer to eye than to snout-tip; anterior
nostrils barbell-like. Mouth semicircular; lips fleshy, lower lip incompletely
interrupted in middle by a narrow groove, upper lip not interrupted. Barbels
well-developed; nasal pair extend to eyes. Dorsal fin inserted nearer to base of
caudal fin than to snout-tip. Caudal fin rounded. Scales small, well-developed and
imbricate, covering the entire body; lateral line short.
Colour and size: Body marked with very narrow, ill-defined vertical bands from
dorsal to ventral surface, often split up below lateral line into several streaks or
spots; the bands often coalesce to form uniform dark colour with wavy margins
at ventral side; a black mark at origin of dorsal fin; a narrow stripe or two
distant spots on base of caudal fin. Caudal fin with a few irregular spots; other
fins plain. It attains a maximum size of 4cm.
Food and feeding: Omnivorous. Feeding habit is similar to other loaches.
mature. Males develop red colour on the posterior part of their body including
tail whey they are mature.
Aquarium requirements: They should have plenty of hiding places or they will
squeeze into impossibly tiny nooks and crannies.
deemed peaceful tank mates.
FAMILY
Cobitidae
P opularly known as ‘loaches’. They are rather small, with head and
body compressed, not flattened below, worm-like to fusiform shape.
They have a spine below the eye which can be erected. Three pairs of
barbels usually present. Mouth subterminal to inferior, lips thick fleshy and
papillated. No spines on fins, only soft-rayed fins and generally with few
rays. Scales cycloid and small, often not easily discernible. Air bladder
enclosed in an osseous capsule, its posterior part small or vestigial. Almost
all species of loaches are colorful and attractive as ornamental fishes. They
are mainly bottoming living fishes in which the mode of existence is
reflected in their appearance. Blotches, bars and bands, interrupt their dark
basic body colour that makes them more attractive. Two subfamilies viz.,
Cobitinae and Botinae, both are present in India.
Lepidocephalus thermalis (Valenciennes)

(Valenciennes)

Dorsal ii-iii 5
Malabar loach English Anal ii-iii 5
Malabar Koima Malayalam Pectoral i 6-7
Ventral i6
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, low, slightly compressed anteriorly

and strong posteriorly, its depth 7.5 to 9.7 times in total length. Mouth inferior;
barbels three pairs; mental lobe well-developed, with small barbel like
prolongations. Dorsal fin inserted somewhat anterior to pelvic fins, usually nearer
caudal fin base than to snout-tip. Caudal fin almost squarely truncate. Scales very
small; a small patch of scales on head behind suborbital spine; on ventral side
of head scales extent anterior to pectoral fin bases but not reaching isthmus; 30
to 37 rows of scales between back of body and anal fin; scales oval.
Colour and size: Grey to delicate grey-green, with somewhat dark 8 to 10 irregular
blotches along flanks; back usually marbled with pale and dark; a small black spot
on upper half of base of caudal fin dorsal and anal fins with rows of spots. An
attractive ornamental fish. It attains a maximum size of 8cm.
Food and feeding: Wide variety of food is accepted, especially sinking dried food
and bottom live foods.

Aquarium requirements: Water chemistry is not critical and wide range of pH
and water hardness will be tolerated without distress. Temperature should be 24-
26 degrees celsius.
Behaviour in captivity: Peaceful, good for community tanks with similar sized
tankmates. They enjoy digging and burrowing into the sand. Hence a rocky sub-
strate tends to wear down the delicate barbels. So a sandy substrate is preferable.
They should have plenty of hiding places, they tend to stuck in small openings,
so should be very careful.
Lepidocephalus thermalis
Lepidocephalichthys guntea (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Dorsal ii-iii 6-7
Guntea loach English Anal ii-iii 5
Pectoral i 6-7
Koima Malayalam
Ventral i 6-7
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, low, slightly compressed anteriorly

and strongly posteriorly, its depth 5.8 to 6.8 times in total length. Mouth inferior;
barbels three pairs; mental lobe well-developed and produced into one or two
projections. Dorsal fin inserted slightly behind level of origin of pelvic fins, nearer
to caudal fin base than to snout-tip. Caudal fin convex or cut square, with
rounded corners. Scales very small, imbricate; scales on head in patches below
and behind eyes, and upper part of operculum; on ventral side of head scales
extend anteriorly beyond isthmus; 25 to 30 rows of scales between back of body
and base of anal fin; sub-dorsal scales oval, with eccentric focal area.
Colour and size: Highly variable, differing with age and sex. In young specimens
delicate yellowish with a dull gleaming pale streak which extends from snout to
a small, round, deep black blotch of base of caudal fin; above and below these
stripes are 10 to 12 irregular or evenly regularly arranged dark blotches – these
spots grow in size and tend to fuse with one another, forming a continuous dark
lateral band with age; above the lateral dark spots and band, another thinner
dark band parallel to it and separated from it as well as the colouration of back,
by a band of ground yellowish colour, infuscated with dark spots in females but
clear in males. Dorsal and caudal fins with rows of dark spots; a dark spot on
upper part of base of caudal fin. Attains a maximum size of 15cm.
Food and feeding: Bottom feeder, eats algae, detritus, worms, and pellet feed.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Not yet bred under captivity.
Aquarium requirements: Needs well aerated water. Prefers to hide among pebbles
and burrow into the sand, hence it is ideal to provide hiding places.
Behaviour in captivity: Compatible, peaceful fish. Always dwells at the bottom
of the tank.
River Valapattanam, Kerala
Botia striata Rao

Dorsal ii 9-10
Tiger loach English Anal ii 5-6
Pectoral ii 11-12
Waghamasa Marathi
Ventral i7
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and greatly compressed. Head mod-

erate, its length about 2.5 times in standard length; snout length about equal to
remaining part of head. Eyes placed almost in posterior half of head. Mouth
small; barbels four pairs. Dorsal fin inserted nearer to caudal fin base than to
snout-tip. Pectoral fins longer than snout length. Caudal peduncle almost squar-
ish, slightly deeper than long. Scales small and non-deciduous.
Colour and size: Body pale pink or deep yellow, diversified by broad dark and
narrow yellow bands which from behind nape form oblique hoops or stripes
directed backwards, these bands completely surround body; broad dark bands
often with light streaks of variable number forming complete or incomplete hoops,
on upper surface of head the dark and yellow streaks form a trident mark. Fins
white and barred; caudal fin with two complete and 2 or 3 interrupted stripes.
Attains a maximum size of 10cm.
Food and feeding: Bottom feeder, eats algae, detritus, worms, and pellet feed.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Not yet bred under captivity.
Aquarium requirements: Needs well-aerated water. It is an active swimmer but
dwells towards the bottom of tank.
Behaviour in captivity: Compatible, peaceful and friendly.
Pangio ggoaensis
oaensis (Tilak)
(Tilak)

Dorsal ii 6
Indian coolie-loach English Anal ii 5
Pectoral i6
Coolie loach Malayalam
Ventral i4
Distinguishing characters: Body very elongate and fairly compressed. Head
more or less compressed, its length about 6.2 times in standard length. Eyes very
small. Mouth inferior, lips smooth, lower lip with a pair of leaf-like lobes attached
on either side of symphysis, and each lobe tipped with small barbel-like projec-
tions. Barbels three pairs. Dorsal fin small. Caudal fin truncate; least depth of
caudal peduncle about two times in its length. Scales very minute, embedded in
skin.
Colour and size: Yellowish-brown, dorsal side of head with reticulations of dark
dots which run into three narrow bands behind the head on the middorsal pro-
file up to the base of caudal fin, the median streak ends at origin of dorsal fin;
dark lateral band from snout to base of caudal fin which terminates in a blotch.
Dorsal and caudal fins dusky. Attains a maximum size of 4 cm.
Pangio bashai Easa & Shaji
Another species, Pangio bashai Easa and Shaji has been reported from Kerala
recently.
FAMILY
Bagridae
P opularly known as ‘bagrid catfishes’. This family is characterized

by a scaleless body, a depressed head and rounded to
compressed elongate body, short dorsal fin with a strong, often
serrated spine, a strong, serrated spine in the pectoral fin, a short to
long adipose fin, anal fin short to long, caudal fin forked or deeply
emarginate, a free margin to the gill membranes over the isthmus, the
anterior and posterior nostrils are well separated, anterior nostrils
tubular, mouth ventral and transverse or arched, teeth on the
prevomer, premaxillaries and mandible, and eyes often covered by
skin. Maximum size is about 2m. These catfishes are generally
nocturnal. Certain species are important food fishes and others are
kept as pets in aquaria. The vast majority of this family is predators
so they should not be kept with small fishes. Physical characteristics
are variable, but most bagrids have four pair of well-developed
barbels and adipose fins of variable size. Among all the bagrids, two
species of the genus Horabagrus are very attractive and are in great
demand for aquarium keeping. Sullivan et al. (2006) created a new
Family ‘Horabagridae’ to include these two bagrid catfishes, while
Jayaram (2006) included these species in a new Sub-family
Horabagrinae under family Schilbidae. As the correct phylogenetic
position of this interesting genus is yet to be decided, we have
retained Horabagrus in its old Family Bagridae in this compilation.
Horabagrus brachysoma (Gunther)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal i 6-7
Anal iii 23-28
Yellow Cat Fish English
Pectoral i 8-9
Manjakkoori Malayalam Ventral i6
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, its depth 4 to 5 times in standard

length. Occipital process exposed, extending to predorsal plate. Eyes ventro-lateral
in position, visible from underside of head. Mouth subterminal; teeth in villiform
bands on jaws. Barbels four pairs; maxillary barbels extend posteriorly to pectoral
fin base, other shorter. Rayed dorsal fin with a strong, feebly serrated spine;
adipose fin short and low. Caudal fin deeply forked.
Colour and size: Greenish-yellow above, the flanks golden, belly white, with
a large round black mark on shoulder surrounded by a light yellow ring.
Dorsal and anal fins yellowish-orange, grayish at their margins. Maximum size
55cm.
Food and feeding: It is omnivorous, feeds on both live and artificial feed.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Females have a bulged belly and males have
milt oozing vent. Captive breeding and larval rearing techniques have been
developed and the species domesticated for the first time in 2000 by NBFGR
Cochin Unit (second author) in collaboration with Dr. K.G. Padmakumar of the
Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kumarakom, Kerala. Unlike other catfishes,
to collect milt, yellow catfish males can be stripped after hormonal administration.
Young ones are of much demand as ornamental fishes.
Aquarium requirements: It can thrive in non-aerated water. Being omnivorous,
it is not safe to keep them along with small fishes.
Behaviour in captivity: It is nocturnal in habit. During day time they prefer to
remain hidden under stones and drift wood. They are comfortable only when hid-
ing places are provided.
Horabagrus
Horabag nigricollaris
rus nigricollaris Pethiyag
ethiyagoda & Kottelat
agoda

Dorsal i5
Chalakudy cat fish English Anal iii 23-26
Pectoral i8
Manja Koori Malayalam
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, its depth 4 to 5 times in standard
length. Occipital process exposed, extending to predorsal plate. Eyes ventro-lateral
in position, visible from underside of head. Mouth subterminal; teeth in villiform
bands on jaws. Barbels four pairs; maxillary barbels extend posteriorly to pectoral
fin base, other shorter. Rayed dorsal fin with a strong, feebly serrated spine;
adipose fin short and low. Caudal fin deeply forked.
Colour and size: Greenish-yellow above, the flanks golden, belly white, with a
large saddle shaped black mark on neck (posterior dorsal side of the head).
Dorsal and anal fins yellowish-orange, grayish at their margins; caudal fin yellow,
with a semi-lunar thick black ring at caudal fin base occasionally present. It attains
a maximum size of 20 cm.
Food and feeding: It is omnivorous, feeds on both live and artificial feed.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Females have a bulged belly and males have
milt-oozing vent. Young ones are in great demand as ornamental fishes.
Aquarium requirements: It can thrive in non aerated water. Being omnivorous,
it is not safe to keep them along with small fishes.
Behaviour in captivity: Similar to H. brachysoma. It is nocturnal in habit. During
day time they prefer to remain hidden under stones and drift wood. They are
comfortable only when hiding places are provided.
Mystus vittatus (Bloch)

Dorsal i7
Striped dwarf catfish English Anal ii-iii 7-9
Pectoral i9
Chillan, Kallen-Koori, Ettachulli Malayalm
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and somewhat compressed, its depth

3.8 to 4.2 times in standard length. Head depressed; occipital process about 3 times
as long as broad at its base, median longitudinal groove on head short, not ex-
tending to base of occipital process. Eye-diameter 4.5 to 6 times in head, 1.5 to
2 times in interorbital width. Mouth terminal; teeth villiform in bands on jaws;
vomerine tooth-band narrow. Barbels four pairs; maxillary pair extends posteri-
orly beyond pelvic fins, often to end of anal fin. Dorsal spine weak, finely ser-
rated on its inner edge; adipose fin small, inserted much behind rayed dorsal fin
but in advance of anal fin. Caudal fin forked.
Colour and size: Variable according to age; generally delicate gray-silvery to shin-
ing golden, with several lovely pale blue or dark brown to deep black longitu-
dinal bands (total about five) on flank; a narrow dusky shoulder spot often
present. Maximum size obtained is 21cm.
Food and feeding: Omnivorous, accepts any food given while in captivity. It has
nocturnal feeding habit.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: So far not bred in captivity.
Aquarium requirements: Survives well even in non-aerated water.
Behaviour in captivity: Comfortable if hiding places are provided.
Mystus oculatus (Valenciennes)

(Valenciennes)

Dorsal i7
Malabar mystus English Anal iii-iv 8-9
Pectoral i6
Chillankoori Malayalam
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and compressed, its depth 4 to 4.1

times in standard length. Head depressed; occipital process extends to basal bone
of dorsal fin; median longitudinal groove on head extends to base of occipital
process. Eye-diameter 3.7 to 4 times in head, about 1.5 times in interorbital width.
Mouth terminal; teeth villiform in bands on jaws; vomerine tooth-band continuous
and crescentic. Barbels four pairs; maxillary barbels extend posteriorly to middle
of anal fin. Dorsal spine moderately strong; adipose fin base short; interdorsal
distance about 1.2 times in adipose base. Caudal fin forked; least depth of caudal
peduncle 1.4 times in its length. Branchiostegal rays 10.
Colour and size: Silvery-gray above, lighter below; a dark spot at origin of base
of dorsal fin. Dorsal fin with a dark band along its middle. It attains a maximum
size of 15cm.
Food and feeding: Omnivorous, not advisable to keep with smaller fishes.
Aquarium requirements: Nocturnal and requires hiding places for comfortable
stay.
Behaviour in captivity: Avoids light and tend to remain hidden below stones
or among crevices. Not advisable for community aquarium.
Batasio travancoria Hora & Law

Dorsal i7
Malabar batasio English Anal iii-iv 9-11
Pectoral i 7-9
Malabar Koori Malayalam
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and compressed. Head globular,

conical and rounded anteriorly; occipital process long, separated by a
considerable distance from basal bone of dorsal fin; median longitudinal groove
on head long and narrow, extending to base of occipital process. Mouth small
and inferior; barbels four pairs. Five large oval pores behind lower lip, and two
rows (of six pores each) of pores between angle of mouth and gill-cover; several
pores between nostrils, below eyes and along free border of gill-covers. Dorsal
spine weak; adipose fin a prominent ridge. Caudal fin deeply forked.
Colour and size: Uniform gray with a narrow dark streak along the lateral line.
Fins dusky. It attains a maximum size of 10cm.
Food and feeding: Carnivorous. Not advisable to keep with small-sized fishes.
Aquarium requirements: Needs well-aerated water and hiding places.
Behaviour in captivity: Usually dwells toward the bottom of tanks. Prefers to
hide below the stones. Not advisable for community aquarium.
FAMILY
Sisoridae
P opularly known as ‘sisorid catfishes’ or ‘sucker catfishes’. They

are easily distinguished from other catfishes by their strongly
depressed head and body, and greatly enlarged paired fins that have
been modified to form an adhesive apparatus. Mouth strongly inferior,
with broad, thin and papillate lips. Lower lip lacking median notch,
posterior margin with lobulate projections. Gill openings extremely
narrow, extending from middle of pectoral-fin base to level just
medial to base of last pectoral fin ray. They have an adipose fin and
four pairs of barbels. They are mostly small and are found in fast
flowing streams. Skin smooth. Some members of the family have
ribbed structures on their stomachs that act as an adhesive pad,
helping them stick to the rocks and keep their position in the current.
Glyptothorax anamalaiensis Silas
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal i7
Kalkkari English Anal iii 7
Pectoral i8
Neykkoori Malayalam
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate. Head moderately depressed; occipital

process apposed to basal bone of dorsal fin. Mouth inferior; lips papillated.
Barbels four pairs; maxillary barbels extend to beyond base of pectoral fins.
Adhesive thoracic apparatus feebly developed, as long as broad, devoid of a
central pit. Dorsal fin inserted nearer to origin of adipose fin than to snout-tip;
dorsal spine strong and smooth. Paired fins non-plaited; pectoral fins shorter than
head. Caudal fin deeply forked; least depth of caudal peduncle 2.5 to 3 times in
its length. Skin on head and body coarsely tuberculated.
Colour and size: Grayish with three broad white transverse bands; one below
dorsal fin, a second beneath adipose fin and a third narrow white band at base
of caudal fin. Fins tipped with white; a broad transverse white band at
bifurcation of caudal fin. Attains a maximum size of 10cm.
Food and feeding: Herbivorous. Usually feed on algae attached to substrates.
Aquarium requirements: Needs well aerated water.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a shy fish and always prefers to be hidden below
the stones or behind leaves. Browses on algae. Survival of this species for longer
periods in captivity is often difficult.
Glyptothorax lonah (Sykes)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal i6
Anal iii 8-10
Lonah catfish English
Pectoral i 9
Neykkoori Malayalam Ventral i 5
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate. Head depressed, as long as broad;

occipital process about 4 times as long as broad, apposed to basal bone of dorsal
fin. Mouth inferior; barbels four pairs, maxillary barbels extend posteriorly to
anterior-third of pectoral fins. Adhesive thoracic apparatus well-developed, longer
than broad, without a central pit. Dorsal fin inserted nearer to adipose fin than
to snout-tip; dorsal spine rather weak and smooth. Anal fin inserted opposite to
origin of adipose fin. Paired fins plaited below; pectoral spine generally much
shorter than head; pelvic fins inserted considerably behind vertical from last dorsal
fin ray. Caudal fin forked; least depth of caudal peduncle about 1.5 times in its
length. Skin minutely granulated on head and body.
Colour and size: Yellowish-brown above, lighter below; a light streak along lat-
eral line. Fins yellow; dorsal, anal and caudal, fins with black bands. Attains a
Food and feeding: It is very fussy about food. It always gets attached to the glass
surface and browses from the surface. Rarely takes artificial food.
Aquarium requirements: Needs well-aerated clear water. Thrives well in glass
tanks with biological filter.
Behaviour in captivity: Compatible with other fishes and peaceful in commu-
nity tanks. It does not live for longer periods under captivity.
Ventral side of G.lonah
Glyptothorax housei Herre
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal i 15
Kalkkari English Anal ii 10
Pectoral i 9
Neykkoori Malayalam
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate. Head depressed; occipital process not

reaching basal bone of dorsal fin. Mouth inferior; lips papillated. Barbels four
pairs; maxillary barbels extend posteriorly slightly beyond base of pectoral fin,
nasal barbels extend beyond eye. Adhesive thoracic apparatus well-developed,
longer than broad, devoid of a central pit. Dorsal fin inserted much nearer to snout-
tip than to base of adipose fin; dorsal spine weak and smooth. Paired fins plaited
ventrally; pectoral fins shorter than head. Caudal fin deeply forked; least depth of
caudal peduncle about 2.5 times in its length. Skin smooth on head and body.
Colour and size: Reddish, pinkish or flesh coloured with yellow or dusky
mottlings above, and flesh colour below. Attains a maximum size of 10cm.
Glyoptothorax trewavasae Hora

FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal i 6
Hora’s kalkari English Anal ii 9
Pectoral i 9
Neykkoori Malayalam
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate. Head depressed; occipital process not

reaching basal bone of dorsal fin. Mouth inferior; lips slightly papillated. Barbels
four pairs; maxillary barbels barely reach base of pectoral fins. Adhesive thoracic
apparatus well-developed, as long as broad, devoid of a central pit. Dorsal fin
inserted equidistant between snout-tip and adipose fin; dorsal spine fairly strong
and entire. Paired fins non-plaited; pectoral spine not as long as head, generally
shorter. Caudal fin forked. Skin on head and body minutely tuberculated. Attains
a maximum size of 14cm.
River Nileswar, Kerala
Glyptothorax madraspatanum (Day)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal i6
Kalkkari English Anal ii-iii 8
Pectoral i 9-10
Neykkoori Malayalam
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate. Head depressed and broadly pointed

in front; occipital process apposed to basal bone of dorsal fin. Mouth inferior;
lips papillated. Barbels four pairs; maxillary barbels extend posteriorly to base
of pectoral fins. Adhesive thoracic apparatus well-developed, longer than broad,
devoid of a central pit. Dorsal fin inserted nearer to adipose fin than to snout-tip;
dorsal spine strong and serrated near apex on both edges. Paired fins non-plaited;
pectoral spine almost as long as head or slightly longer. Caudal fin deeply forked;
least depth of caudal peduncle about twice in its length. Skin smooth on head
and body.
Colour and size: Yellowish with dark bands. Fins yellowish, with black bands.
Food and feeding: Eats algae, does not accept pellets.
Aquarium requirements: This fish does not thrive well in aquarium for longer
periods. Needs well-aerated water.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a compatible, peaceful fish, always sticks to glass
surface/stones or plants. Very sensitive to water quality.
Nangra itchkeea (Sykes)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal i 6
Deccan nangra, clown catfish English Anal iii-iv 9-10
Pectoral i 8
Itehka, Bibua, Pedhnah Marathi Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body subcylindrical, slightly compressed anteriorly but

behind pelvic fins the compression is more marked. Head short, globular and
rounded anteriorly; median longitudinal groove on head extends to base of
occipital process, but anteriorly these are lodged in a large and a small fontanelle.
After the second fontanella the groove is very shallow and hardly perceptible
posteriorly. Mouth small and inferior; teeth villiform on jaws. Barbels four pairs;
nasal barbels small and considerably shorter than eye-diameter, maxillary barbels
with stiff basal parts and longer than head, two pairs of mandibular barbels almost
equal but somewhat shorter than head, the inner pair placed slightly in advance
of outer pair. Dorsal spine strong and smooth; adipose fin small but well-marked.
Pectoral spine strong, serrated on its inner edge. Caudal fin deeply forked. The
species is now renamed as Gagata itchkeea (Sykes).
Colour and Size: Yellowish-brown, becoming silvery on sides and belly; several
dark blotches along back descending half way down the flanks. A dusky
blotch on each lobe of caudal fin; dorsal fin with a dusky blotch. Attains a
Aquarium requirements: Needs clear, aerated water.
Behaviour in captivity: Attacks small-sized tank mates.
FAMILY
Siluridae
P opularly known as ‘glass catfish’ or ‘old world catfish’. They

are characterized by their long anguilliform bodies, and their lack
of obvious scales. They have a one very small dorsal fin, and an
elongated anal fin, which stretches for half of the fish’s body. They
have a row of small “sand-paper” like teeth on both the top and
bottom jaws, each row consists of hundreds of teeth, these teeth are
soft, and are used to grip the prey, they slope inwards toward the
back of the mouth.
Ompok malabaricus (Valenciennes)

(Valenciennes)
Photograph courtesy: ‘Fish Base’

Dorsal iii-7
Goan catfish English Anal iii 12-14
Manjavaala, Thonnan vaala Malayalam Pectoral i 14
Ventral i8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and compressed. Mouth somewhat

oblique, its gape wide; teeth in broad villiform bands (of 5 or 6 irregular rows)
on jaws, medially interrupted; teeth on vomer in two large, crescent-shaped
patches, separated from each other by a distance equal to half length of one patch.
Barbels two pairs; maxillary barbels rather heavy and long, extend to slightly
beyond pelvic fin origin; mandibular barbels slender and short, extending
posteriorly no farther than hind border of eye. Pectoral spine strong serrated on
its inner edge. Caudal fin forked, with rounded tips.
Colour and size: Deep greyish-brown shot with purple, becoming paler below; a
black spot behind gill-opening. Fins dusky. It attains a length of 51 cm.
Food and feeding: Carnivorous
Aquarium requirements: Small-sized fishes are attractive as ornamental fish, but
a good food fish.
Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch)

Indian butter-catfish English
Dorsal 4
Manjavaala, Thonnanvaala Malayalam
Silaaivalai, Chaithavelai Tamil Nadu Anal ii-iii
Godla, Kembari Karnataka Pectoral i 12-14
Dukaduma, Theenuva Telugu Ventral i 7-8
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and strongly compressed. Eyes mod-

erate, its lower border below level of cleft of mouth. Mouth large and oblique;
teeth in villiform bands on jaws; vomerine teeth in two oval patches. Barbels two
pairs; maxillary barbels long and extend to or slightly beyond anal fin origin, the
mandibular pair very short. Anal fin long, inserted well behind dorsal fin. Pecto-
ral spine moderately strong, feebly serrated on its inner edge. Caudal fin deeply
forked, with pointed lobes.
Colour and size: Silvery with purple, dorsally dark grey-green to brownish with
a tinge of golden yellow; a large dusky spot on shoulder on lateral line; a small
black spot on caudal peduncle just above lateral line; often a dark transverse bar
across base of caudal fin. Fins pale golden. Young fishes transparent as glass. At-
tains a length of 45 cm.
Food and feeding: Carnivorous.
Aquarium requirements: Very hardy and able to survive in tanks even without
biological filter.
Behaviour in captivity: Being carnivore not advisable to keep them with equal-
sized or smaller sized fishes. Slow moving and attractive when small in size.
FAMILY
Schilbeidae
P opularly known as ‘schilbid catfishes’. They have elongated and

compressed body with tapering head. Anal fin very long, not confluent
with caudal fin. Dorsal fin with short base and 1 spine, when present. Usu-
ally with adipose fin. Anal fin base very long, separate from caudal fin; with
24-90 rays. Barbels usually 4 pairs. Pelvic fin occasionally absent in species
of some genera. In India, these catfishes constitute a striking and well-
marked group. Only one species common in the Western Ghats.
Pseudeutropius mitchelli Gunther
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal i7
Malabar patashi English Anal iii 32-34
Pectoral i9
Vellivala Malayalam
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and laterally compressed. Head 4.7 to

5.1 times in standard length. Eyes large, its diameter 3 to 3.5 times in head.
Mouth terminal, the upper jaw slightly longer than lower; teeth villiform in bands
on jaws; vomero-palatine teeth in two distinct, small oval patches. Barbels four
well-developed pairs, the maxillary pair extends to about middle of pelvic fins.
Dorsal fin inserted anterior to pelvic fins. Anal fin placed about half head-length
behind dorsal fin. Pectoral spine extends backwards beyond base of dorsal spine.
Branchiostegal rays 8 or 9.
Colour and size: Bluish-silvery along back, becoming silvery-white on flanks and
belly. Dorsal and caudal fins grayish; other fins hyaline. Attains a maximum size
of 15cm.
Aquarium requirements: Needs well-aerated water.
Behaviour in captivity: Peaceful and moves along the upper half of the aquarium.
This species, once considered as extinct in the wild, was collected in 2001 from
the upstreams of River Periyar, Kerala by Mr. Lijo John, B.Sc. Student of Bharatha
Matha College, Cochin, Kerala.
FAMILY
Pangasiidae
P opularly known as ‘freshwater sharks’ because of their

elongated body shape that resembles the body of a shark. The
tail is deeply forked. This fish has large eyes and a small mouth. The
body is silver to blue with a silver iridescence. The back is darker
than the main body colour. A slender, horizontal, white stripe extends
from the base of the tail to the gill cover. The fins are light gray to
transparent. This species can be kept in aquarium when they are
juveniles. They grow to a big size. The shark catfish have very bad
eyesight and are nervous fish. Try not to tap on the glass, turn on
light when it is dark, or startle this fish in any way. Older shark catfish
lose their teeth and thus will not harm even small tank-mates. An
albino variety has been developed and is now widely distributed.
They are omnivorous. Eventhough a food fish, its flesh is not graded
among that of good varieties of fishes.
Pangasius pangasius (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Pungas English Dorsal i 6-7
Anal iv-v 26-29
Coola-kellette, Manga-keluthi, Aie Tamil
Pectoral i 12-13
Choluva-jella, Banka-jella Telugu
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and compressed. Head slightly

granulated above; occipital process reaches to basal bone of dorsal fin; snout
fairly prominent. Eyes large, about 3.5 times in length of head, visible from
ventral surface of head. Mouth fairly wide. Teeth villiform on jaws and palate;
vomero-palatine teeth in a crescentic band, composed of four patches which may
be variously joined together. Barbels two pairs, fairly well developed. Dorsal
spine moderately strong, strongly serrated on its inner edge but finely serrated on
its outer edge. Caudal fin deeply forked.
Colour and size: Dusky yellowish-green on back, glossed with silvery-purple on
flanks; sides of head golden tinge. Fins light reddish-yellow. Attains a length of
1.5 m.
Aquarium requirements: Juveniles are ornamental. It is a food fish but its flesh
is not graded among that of good varieties of fishes. It feeds on foul and decay-
ing animals and vegetable matter. Because of its dirty feeding habits this fish is
not much liked. Since it attains a good size, it affords a good sport to anglers.
FAMILY
MugiIidae
P opularly known as ‘mullets’. They have uniform external

anatomy. Body moderately elongate, cylindrical or slightly
compressed. Head broad and depressed. Eyes often partly covered
with adipose eyelid. Mullets have two separate dorsal fins, the first
spiny and the second soft-rayed. Their ventral fins are on the
abdomen behind the point of insertion of the pectorals; their tails are
forked and they have large scales. Furthermore, they are vegetable
and mud eaters. Their stomachs are thick walled and gizzard-like, the
intestines long, corresponding to their food. There are many species
of mullets. Most of them are marine, inhabiting coastal waters,
estuaries. Some are fresh water. They are adaptable to great changes
in salinity. Travel in schools and feed on fine algae, diatoms, and
detritus of bottom sediments. Important food fishes.
Rhinomugil corsula (Hamilton-Buchanan)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal 1 iv
Corsula mullet English Dorsal 2 i 8
Anal iii 9
Mazhugumeen Tamil
Pectoral i 16
Ventral i 5
Distinguishing characters: Body rather stout. Head moderate, concave between

eyes, the latter projecting above this level. Mouth ventral, protrusible. First
dorsal fin inserted nearer to caudal fin base than to tip of snout. Caudal fin
slightly emarginate. Scales in lateral series 48 to 52.
Colour: Dull-brown dorsally, silvery below. Fins hyaline with a golden tinge.
Aquarium requirements: Always moves in the upper column of the tank, exhibits
jumping behaviour hence tanks need to be covered.
Behaviour in captivity: Moves very fast and compatible with other species of
fishes. The species was transplanted from north Indian waters to Peninsular India.
FAMILY
Oryziidae
P opularly known as ‘egg-laying toothcarps’, which differ from the others

by not having a protrusible upper jaw, and absence of vomerine teeth.
This is more of a brackish water fish although it does visit freshwater. In
coastal canals, it can be seen congregating in huge numbers at the water
surface. The males differ from the females by having a pointed dorsal fin.
The female has the unique characteristic of carrying her eggs outside her
body in a cluster, attached to the genital pore by filaments. These fish have
become important experimental animals for Japanese zoologists in recent
years. These resemble the cyprinids superficially, but have fine teeth at the
edges of their jaws. Their heads are usually rather flattened, and their
protrusible mouth wide, opening obliquely. They are euryhaline, oviparous,
omnivorous, gregarious and surface-dwelling. Indigenous, common in
brackish water canals, prawn ponds, coastal rural streams and mangrove
creeks.
Oryzias dancena (Hamilton)

Dorsal 6-7
Estuarine ricefish English Anal 20-24
Manathukannan Malayalam Pectoral 15
Ventral 6
Distinguishing characters: A relatively large and very deep-bodied species.

Greatest depth about 3 times in standard length. Mouth broad, transverse margin
of upper jaw opening straight or but slightly convex (often with a medial notch
or indentation) and usually with a narrow dark marginal band of fine
melanophores not present in other species. Juveniles and adults of both sexes
usually with a broad, well defined dark dorso-median stripe extending from
occiput to dorsal fin origin. The head is half oval, flat above, broader than the
body and small. The upper jaw is the longest. The lips are fleshy. The eyes are
high and far forward. The lateral line runs straight above the middle of the
side. The scales are large in proportion, but so thin, as scarcely to be visible
without a glass, expect on the belly. The dorsal fin is far back. The pectoral
fins are of moderate size, are placed high on the side, the tail fin is rounded
and has sixteen rays.
Oryzias carnaticus
Colour: Green above and silver below.
Another species, Oryzias carnaticus (Jerdon)
distributed in Peninsular India is also an attractive
ornamental species.
FAMILY
Horaichthyidae
C omprises only a single species Horaichthys setnai. It is a small translucent
oviparous fish inhabiting brackishwater and estuaries in Kerala and Mumbai,
India. Osteological study (Kulkarni 1948) showed that its head skeleton is closely
allied to that of Oryzias but greatly different from that of Aplocheilus. Horaichthys,
however, is different from known species of Oryzias in having a larger number
of the anal fin-rays (about 28 to 32). A special feature of Horaichthys is that the
testis produces special sperm capsules of spermatophores (2-300 in number)
instead of ordinary semifluid milt with suspended sperms. A spermatophore is a
tiny hyaline body (0.6 mm long and 0.1 mm thick), the broad part of which
contains mass of sperms. At the tapering end, there is a pointed cap with stiff
hooks and barb-like structures which point backwards. It is with the aid of these
hooks and barbs that the spermatophore gets attached near the genital opening
of the female. Before liberation of sperms, a small bulging appears at the neck of
the tapering spermatophore and begins to enlarge. When the protuberance
becomes sufficiently large, an opening is formed at its tip by rupture of membrane
and sperms are liberated. They swim into the genital pore of the female. This is
the smallest known fish in India and exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism.
Horaichthys setnai Kulkarni

Dorsal 6-7
Thready top-minnow English
Anal 28-32
Anu Marathi
Ventral 5
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, slender and compressed. Head slightly

depressed; snout broad and truncate. Eyes large and prominent. Mouth directed
upwards; teeth sharp and conical on both jaws, no teeth on palate. Dorsal fin
inserted far posterior on body, near caudal fin. Anal fin long, in adults modified
into two parts: in male, the first six rays separated off into an independent
gonopodium which remains folded on right side parallel to the two anal fins; in
female, anal finrays simple but the second to sixth rays more elongated. Pectoral
fins large and well-developed, with thick muscular bases; pelvic fins paired in
male, right fin absent in female. Caudal fin large and rounded. Scales thin and
moderately large; 32 to 34 in longitudinal series.
Colour and size: Transparent; head with a prominent dark occipital spot behind
eyes and a number of minute black spots scattered all over as well as on upper
margin of jaws. Attains a maximum size of 2cm.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: In the male, six anterior rays of the anal fin
are separated from the rest of the fin and modified into an elaborate male organ
(gonopodium). Of six rays the third, fourth and fifth ones are profoundly modified
forming the 3- 4-5 complex. In the female right pelvic fin is usually absent. The
genital opening of the female is situated on the left ventral side and is surrounded
by genital pads. The male appears to be always afraid of the female which on
occasions chases him away. At the time of mating, the male swims below and
behind her at a distance of about 2 to 3 cm. He then darts towards her on the left
with almost lightning speed. As he approaches his mate he lashes out the
gonopodium sideways almost at right angles to his body and strikes its terminal
end against her genital opening. The spermatophores are transferred to the female
in this momentary contact, and become attached by their distal hooks.
FAMILY
Belonidae
P opularly called ‘needle fishes’. The most noticeable feature of

these fishes is that both their jaws are prolonged to form a long
slim beak well armed with teeth. Their body is very slender, and anal,
dorsal and ventral fins are set far back. They have no finlets between
dorsal and caudal fins and also between anal and caudal fins; the
absence of these being the easiest field mark to separate needlefishes
from the closely related group - billfishes. They are swift swimming
and predatory fishes.
Xenentodon cancila (Hamilton- Buchanan)

Freshwater garfish English
Dorsal 15-18
Kokkumeen, Vellaimural Tamil
Anal 16-18
Konti Kannada
Tikali Marathi Pectoral 11
Kolaan Malayalam Ventral 6
Distinguishing characters: Body very elongate and slightly compressed. Eyes

rather small. Cheeks long; operculum 1.7 to 2 times in cheek. Dorsal fin inserted
usually anterior to vertical through origin of anal fin. Caudal fin truncate.
Colour and size: Greenish above, flanks green-silvery, fading to whitish below;
a silvery lateral band (with a dark margin) extend on flank of body; a series of
four or five blotches (absent in young) on sides of body between pectoral and
anal fins. Dorsal and anal fins dark-edged. Attains a maximum size of 40cm.
Food and feeding: It is carnivorous, does not accept artificial feed.
Aquarium requirements: This fish does not thrive in aquariums for long period.
Needs well aerated water, fast moving and hence need large sized tanks.
Behaviour in captivity: It is not compatible and hence not suitable for commu-
nity aquarium. It is a surface dwelling fish. Very attractive. Good for monospecies
aquarium.
FAMILY
Hemiramphidae
P opularly known as ‘half beaks’. They are elongated silver fishes with
elongated lower jaws that extend into a long beak. They have a very
short upper jaw that is covered with scales and triangular in shape with a
ridge across the nose giving rise to their names as “Halfbeaks”. The
Halfbeaks have anal fins (with 14 to 17 rays) and dorsal fins at the rear of
the body that are opposite to each other. The pelvic fins are under the
abdomen, the pectoral fins are high on the sides, the caudal fin is concave
or slightly forked with the lower lobe being longer than the upper lobe. The
halfbeaks are close allies of the billfishes. They are largely herbivorous,
feeding mainly on green algae. The family is defined by one derived
character, third pair of upper pharyngeal bones anklylosed into a plate. The
halfbeaks are a surface school species that feed on seaweed, fish larvae,
zooplankton, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. Large predatory
fishes prey on halfbeaks. In some parts of the world, they are utilized as
food fish.
Hyporhamphus xanthopterus (Valenciennes)

(Valenciennes)

Dorsal 14-16
Vembanad halfbeak English Anal 14-17
Pectoral i 10
Kolaan Malayalam
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and somewhat compressed; a greatly

prolonged, beak-like lower jaw, shorter than head length; upper jaw short, trian-
gular and scaly, its width 0.8 to 1.0 times in its length. Total gillrakers on first arch
41 to 53.
Colour: Greenish above, silvery lateral stripe on flank widening posteriorly, belly
white; fleshy tip of beak reddish. Fins yellowish.
Aquarium requirements: Needs large sized tanks. Not easily acclimatized. Re-
quire estuarine water for survival.
Behaviour in captivity: It is difficult to acclimatize them to fresh water.
Hyporhamphus limbatus Valenciennes
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal 12-16
Congaturi halfbeak English Anal 13-16
Pectoral i 10-11
Kolaan Malayalam
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and somewhat compressed; a greatly

prolonged, beak-like lower jaw, equal to or longer than head length; upper jaw
short, triangular and scaly, its width 9.6 to 10.8 times its length. Total gillrakers
on first arch 23 to 37 (6-11+19-23). Caudal fin emarginate, not strongly forked.
Colour and size: Greenish above, with a silvery lateral stripe widening posteri-
orly, white ventrally; fleshy tip of beak reddish. Fins hyaline. Attains a maxi-
mum size of 35cm.
Food and feeding: It is carnivorous and does not accept artificial feed.
Aquarium requirements: This fish does not thrive in fresh water aquariums for
long period. Needs well aerated estuarine water, always dwells at the surface of
water column.
Behaviour in captivity: It is hardy, active swimmer, but not ideal for commu-
nity aquarium.
FAMILY
Aplocheilidae
P opularly known as ‘killifishes’. These resemble the cyprinids
superficially, but have fine teeth at the edges of their jaws. The
Aplocheilidae or Rivuline Family consists of two sub-families,
Aplocheilinae (Old World Rivulines) and Rivulinae (New World
Rivulines). Their heads are usually rather flattened, and their protrusible
mouth wide, opening obliquely. Small space between pelvic fin bases.
Metapterygoid present. Basibranchials 3. First two dorsal radials each
with a ray. One exotic species, Rivulus marmoratus, is a true
hermaphrodite (self-fertilizing).
Aplocheilus blocki (Arnold)

Dwarf panchax, Green panchax English Dorsal ii 6
Anal iii 12
Pachaimmunda-kenni Tamil
Pectoral 14
Manathukanni Malayalm
Ventral 6
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and compressed posteriorly. Eyes
large, its diameter about 3.5 times in head length and about half interorbital width.
Mouth terminal; teeth villiform, in bands on jaws. In male, 4th or 5th dorsal fin
ray and 11th and 12th anal fin rays prolonged, both fins reach caudal fin; in female,
dorsal and anal fins rounded, do not reach caudal fin. Pelvic fins without any
prolonged ray. Caudal fin rounded.
Colour and size: Yellowish-green with a metallic sheen with alternating rows of
brassy-yellow and smaller red spots, belly shining blue-green; a pearly-white spot
on occiput and a black spot at base of dorsal fin. Vertical fins lemon-yellow, with
magnificent red to brown dots in male. Maximum size 6cm.
Aplocheilus parvus (Raj)

Though considered as
a species endemic to
Sri Lanka, confirmed
reports of its
occurrence in
Peninsular India are
available. Like other killi fishes, this species is also peaceful and moves along
the surface of aquarium.
Aplocheilus lineatus (Valenciennes)

(Valenciennes)

Dorsal ii 6
Malabar killie English Anal iii 15-16
Pectoral 14
Manathukanni, Poonjan Malayalam
Ventral 6
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and compressed posteriorly. Eyes large,
its diameter about 3.25 to 3.5 times in head length, about equal to interorbital
width. Mouth terminal; teeth villiform, in several rows on jaws. Anal fin variable,
often much lower in front and increasing in length to last ray. Pelvic fins with its
second ray elongate. Caudal fin rounded. Scales fairly large, 32 to 34 in longitu-
dinal series.
Colour and size: Males olive-brown, flanks paler, belly yellowish; rows of metallic
golden-green and red spots on body which are often united into longitudinal
bands. Dorsal fin with a dark blotch at base. Maximum size 8cm.
Food and feeding: Surface feeder, accepts artificial feed from surface and column.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Males are larger and more brightly coloured
than females. Breeding of the species is best accomplished in a small tank. Fe-
males darker than males, with 7 to 11 black transverse bars; juveniles with the
female-type colouration.
Aplocheilus panchax
Aquarium conditions: Survives well in clean aerated
tanks. Exhibits jumping nature, hence to be kept in
covered tanks.
Behaviour in captivity: Peaceful, and moves along
the surface of water column, but exhibits cannibalism. Swallows the juveniles
of the same species.
Aplocheilus panchax (Hamilton-Buchanan), another ornamental killi fish shows
wide distribution in other parts of India in addition to the Western Ghats.
FAMILY
Syngnathidae
P opularly known as ‘pipe fishes’. They have elongated body, encased in
bony rings with one dorsal fin. They have long snout with tiny
terminal mouth. Most occur in marine or brackish water, but some
pipefishes live in freshwater. The mating system of a typical syngnathid
species is unusual: the male first performs a complex dancelike ritual, then
the female deposits her eggs in a brood pouch on the male’s abdomen,
where he carries them until they hatch. This family includes the seahorses
(subfamily Hippocampinae) as well as the pipefishes .
Microphis cuncalus (Hamilton–Buchanan)

Dorsal 47-56
Crocodile-tooth pipefish English Rings (16-18)+(24-27)
Pipe Fish Malayalam Pectoral 16-19
Subdorsal rings (3.5-2.0)+(5.75-7.5)
Distinguishing characters: Longitudinal opercular ridge distinct and complete but

not elevated strongly, without supplemental opercular ridges. Lateral snout ridge
distinct and arched somewhat dorsal; principal body ridges distinct. Head length
7.3 to 8.8 times in standard length. Snout relatively deep, its depth 4.7 to 7 times
in snout length. Some adults with anal fin located in a distinct groove-like depres-
sion and separated from anus by a transverse septum.
Colour and size: Greenish above, dirty white below; several dusky lines on back
which intersect each other, forming a network; along either side a longitudinal
spotted stripe; eyes silvery; opercle furnished like silver. Caudal fin reddish. At-
tains a maximum size of 17.5cm.
Food and feeding: It is zooplankton feeder. Does not accept pellet feed. A cul-
ture of mosquito larvae or Moina is almost essential to keep the fishes alive.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Males have a brood pouch.
Aquarium requirements: It prefers to hide among the leaves. It is relatively sen-
sitive to water quality and requires freedom from harassment by other fishes, so
a single species tank is best. But with small sized fishes like Horadandia sp, or
even with loaches or tetras it thrives well. However, only a serious aquarist can
keep this for long term captivity.
Behaviour in captivity: Compatible and peaceful, sluggish, hence cannot compete
with other fishes for food. Care should be taken to see that this fish gets food
in a community tank. Another species, Microphis brachyurus (Bleeker) is endemic
to Kerala and Sri Lankan waters.
FAMILY
Synbranchidae
P opularly known as ‘eels’. This is a widely distributed group
that superficially resemble eels to which they are not related.
There is a single opening on the underside of the head which is the
gill opening. These are extremely hardy fish that are able to live in
floating meadows, swamps and habitats with poor oxygen. They are
able to move across land if trapped in pools as the water level falls
in flooded forests. They have a reputation as fierce predators and
large specimens will bite.
Ophisternon bengalense McClelland
COMMON NAME
Pygmy eel, Bengal mudeel English
Distinguishing characters: Body eel-like and robust, not whip-like. Eyes minute,
visible through skin. Mouth large, upper jaw slightly longer than lower; lips
fleshy; teeth on jaws small and pointed, not continuous at symphysis in upper
jaw; palatine teeth in a band. Vent in posterior part of body. Lateral line
conspicuous.
Colour and size: Dorsum of head and body (except for ventral surface) light
brown; lips, ventral surface of head, operculum and branchiostegal membrane yel-
lowish; evenly scattered melanophores over entire body. It attains a length of 100
cm.
FAMILY
Mastacembelidae
P opularly known as ‘spiny eels’. These are eel-like fishes with com-
pressed tail, sometimes confluent with the long dorsal and anal fins.
They possess a row of short spines along the back but, lack pelvic fins.
Their snout is modified into a long, fleshy proboscis with tube-like nostrils
at the sides (used to probe in the substrate for worms and other animals).
They do possess tiny scales despite their naked appearance. Despite their
shape and name, they are not related to the true eels (Anguillidae).
Macrognathus guentheri (Day)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal xxvii-xxx 58-74
Malabar spiny eel English Anal iii 59-75
Pectoral 17-21
Aral Malayalam
Caudal 11-13
Distinguishing characters: Body eel-like and slightly compressed. Rostrum

rounded in cross-section, devoid of toothplates. Preopercle with 2 or 3 spines;
preorbital spine present. Mouth narrow. Dorsal fin inserted behind tip of pecto-
ral fins; dorsal and anal fins entirely confluent with caudal fin, rarely with a slight
notch apparent in adults. Vertebrae 89. Ripe females with a very elongate geni-
tal papilla.
Colour and size: Olive or greenish-brown, dull yellow below; a few black bands
radiate from eye and cross below jaws; a light band runs along upper edge of
lateral line; short oblique bars or markings on body and vertical fins. Attains a
Aquarium requirements: Requires well-aerated tanks. They have a tendency to
jump out during night. So the tanks should be well covered.
Behaviour in captivity: It is not advisable to keep it with other fishes.
Macrognathus aral (Bloch & Schneider)

One-stripe spinyeel English Dorsal xvi-xxiii 44-45
Bommiday Telugu Anal iii 44-52
Mona-arel, Aral, Cui Tamil Pectoral 19-24
Aarel Malayalam Caudal 15
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate. Rostrum relatively large, with concave

ventral surface lined with 14 to 28 paired toothplates. No spines on preorbital or
preoperculum bones. Mouth very small, its gape 8.7 to 11% of length of head, not
extending to below posterior nostrils. Teeth small and pointed on both jaws. Dor-
sal fin inserted far behind tip of pectoral fin, last dorsal spine small. Caudal fin
distinctly separated from dorsal and anal fins.
Colour and size: Brownish or greenish, marbled superiorly, becoming yellowish
along abdomen; body with two broad pale longitudinal bands extending its en-
tire length, one dorsal to and one ventral to lateral line. Dorsal fin pale or orange,
3 to 11 ocelli at its base often present; dorsal and caudal fins with numerous fine
streaks. It attains a length of 38 cm.
Food and feeding: Carnivorous
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Not known
Aquarium requirements: Requires well-aerated tanks. They have a tendency to
jump out during night. So the tanks should be well covered.
Behaviour in captivity: It is not advisable to keep it with other fishes.
Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede)

Dorsal xxxii-xl 64-92
Tire-track spiny eel English
Anal iii 64-90
Kalarah, Aaraah Tamil
Pectoral 21-27
Mookkanarakan, Aarl Malayalam
Caudal 14-17
Distinguishing characters: Body relatively slender. Preopercle with 2 or 3 spines
usually conspicuous, but often one or more may be embedded in skin; preorbital
spine strong and usually piercing skin. Mouth small, extending to below poste-
rior nostril or at least to its anterior margin; sharp teeth in bands on both jaws.
Spinous dorsal fin inserted above middle or posterior-third of pectoral fins, last
dorsal spine small and hidden beneath skin. Dorsal and anal fins broadly joined
to caudal fin.
Colour and size: Rich brown and usually with zig-zag lines, sometimes connect-
ing to form a network but almost never extending onto abdomen; often a black
band through eye continued in an undulating course along upper half of side; of-
ten a row of black spots along base of soft dorsal fin, and short black bands over
lack under dorsal spines. Pectoral fins usually spotted; dorsal and anal fins usu-
ally banded or spotted. Attains a maximum size of 61cm.
Food and feeding: It is carnivorous, and cannot be kept with other fishes.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Not bred under captivity.
Aquarium requirements: Require muddy bottom as it has burrowing habits.
Behaviour in captivity: Most of the time remains hidden behind the stones or
buried in sand. Not compatible with other fishes. It will jump out from an uncov-
ered tank.
FAMILY
Ambassidae
P opularly called ‘glass fishes’. These species have transparent body
with skeleton and some internal organs clearly visible. The body is
deep and strongly compressed from side to side. The dorsal fin has two
parts. The first one spiny and the second with soft rays. There are a num-
ber of fishes with transparent bodies, but the name ‘glass fishes’ is reserved
for these small aquarium fishes. Most of these fishes are found in brackish
and sea water along the coast, but several regularly visit freshwaters. Some
are able to live exclusively in this medium. They are euryhaline; oviparous;
carnivorous; gregarious and pelagic. The transparency of this fish has lent
itself to the unscrupulous (and cruel) practice of injecting coloured dyes into
the tissue to artificially “enhance” its colours by some dealers. Most of these
fishes do not live long and the colour is not permanent.
Parambassis dayi (Bleeker)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal vii+i 9-10
Day’s glassy perchlet English Anal iii 9-10
Pectoral i 11-13
Nandan Malayalam
Caudal i5
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, rather slender and compressed. Head

fairly elongate, with a moderately pointed snout. Mouth large; teeth on jaws
villiform, differentiated in size on both jaws, outer row slightly enlarged. Scales
large; lateral line with about 30 scales; predorsal scales 15; cheek with 6 transverse
scale-rows.
Colour: Silvery, glossed with purple; with a broad lateral burnished band. Fins
hyaline; membrane between 2 nd and 3rd dorsal spines dusky; soft dorsal fin,
caudal and anal fins with dusky edges.
Parambassis thomassi (Day)

Dorsal vii+i 10
Western Ghat glassy perchlet English
Anal iii 9
Arinjil, Nandan Malayalam Pectoral i 14-15
Mullujabba Kannada Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body rather stout, deep and compressed. Head fairly
large; snout rather elongate, with a pronounced elevated tip. Mouth large; teeth
on jaws villiform, differentiated in size, outer row slightly enlarged particularly
anteriorly. Scales large; lateral line with 35 to 43 scales; predorsal scales 15 to
19; cheek with 4 transverse scale-rows.
Colour and size: Greenish shot with silver colouration. Fins hyaline; second dor-
sal spine slightly dusky on its anterior side. Young fishes entirely pale yellow,
transparent, with a pronounced silvery sheen on flanks. Maximum size obtained
is 12cm.
Food and feeding: Omnivorous, but prefers live feed, do not accept pelleted feed.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Not known, not so far bred in captivity.
Aquarium requirements: If it can be acclimatized to captivity, it will survive for
long periods. But not easy to acclimatize. Survives well in clean, aerated tanks.
Good for single species aquarium.
Parambassis ranga (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Dorsal vii + i 11-14
Indian glassy fish English Anal iii 13-15
Pectoral i 11-12
Nandan Malayalam
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body stout, deep and compressed. Preopercular hind

edge smooth, atmost with one or two serrations at angle. Mouth oblique.
Gillrakers 15 or 16 on lower arm of first arch. Scales small; lateral line with 47
to 63 scales; cheek with 7 transverse scale-rows.
Colour and size: Transparent with a greenish-yellow tinge and a silvery gloss
on dorsum; a silvery broad lateral stripe on side of body; a definite dusky spot
on shoulder. Dorsal and caudal fins with blackish edges. Attains a length of
7 cm.
Aquarium requirements: Needs aerated water. Not hardy and hence slight
changes in the water quality will affect their survival.
Behaviour in captivity: Compatible with equal sized fishes. Not advisable for
community aquariums. Dwells in the middle part of the water column.
FAMILY
Lutjanidae
P opularly known as ‘snappers’. Most of them are marine and a

few are estuarine. They have moderately elongate body with
terminal mouth. Upper jaw is protractile and provided with canine
teeth. Vomer and palatine are provided with small conical teeth.
Dorsal fin continuous or with a shallow notch, anal fin with three
spines. Pelvic fin inserted just behind pectoral fin base. Scales
ctenoid.
Lutjanus ar
arggentimaculatus (Forskal)
(Forskal)
Young L. argentimaculatus; juvenile fish (inset)
COMMON NAMES
FIN COUNT
Dorsal x 13-14
River Snapper English Anal iii 8-9
Pectoral i 15-16
Chembally Malayalam
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate, with head profile straight or slightly

convex. Preopercule unnotched or with a shallow notch. Longitudinal rows of
scales above lateral line parallel to dorsal profile anteriorly, but appearing to rise
obliquely under soft part of dorsal fin or under posterior part of spinous dorsal
fin; scale-rows below lateral line horizontal.
Colour and size: Red-brown, somewhat paler on belly; often a silvery patch in
center of each scale. Attains very large size; young ones are brilliantly coloured
and attractive as ornamental fishes. The colour pattern of juvenile fish is totally
different from that of the young and adults. Juvenile river snapper has alterning
light and dark bars on the sides and a pair of thin blue line across the cheeks.
Food and feeding: Carnivorous and are not to be kept with fishes of same size.
Aquarium requirements: Requires gradual acclimatization from estuarine water
to freshwater.
Behaviour in captivity: Good for monospecies aquarium.
Lutjanus kasmira (Forskal)
Illustration courtesy: Smith & Heemstra

Dorsal x 13-16
Blue and yellow snapper English Anal iii 8
Pectoral i 16
Chembally Malayalam
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: A fairly deep-bodied species with head profile straight

or slightly convex. Preopercular notch deep. Longitudinal scale-rows above lat-
eral line parallel to it and those below lateral line horizontal.
Colour and size: A brilliantly coloured snapper, generally canary yellow, darker
above. 4 or 5 narrow blue lines, often bordered with brown, cross cheek and body
longitudinally, some bifurcating on body. Fins yellow, dorsal with a blue median
band, others brownish basally. Attains 40 cm; juveniles are attractive as ornamen-
tal fishes.
Food and feeding: Carnivorous and are to be kept with fishes of same size.
Aquarium requirements: Survives in aerated fresh water by gradual acclimatiza-
tion from marine water.
Behaviour in captivity: Not compatible with other species; hardy in freshwater.
FAMILY
Nandidae
P opularly known as ‘leaf fishes’ because of their leaf like

appearance. When they are resting most of them look deceptively
like drifting leaves. They have an oblong and laterally compressed
body. Head usually large with protrusible mouth. Dorsal fin large, the
spinous and soft fin part continuous, anal fin with three to four
spines and six to nine soft rays. Pelvic fin thoracic. Caudal fin
rounded, scales ctenoid. This family consists of a fascinating group
of relatively small fishes which are well known to the tropical fish
hobbyists. Leaf fishes are usually found in freshwater and occasionally
in brackishwater. They are able to hunt their prey with little
detection.
Nandus nandus (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Dorsal xii-xiv
Catopra English Anal 11-13
Kariyila matsyam, Malayalam Pectoral 15
Muthuvala, Urakkomthoongi Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body oblong and fairly deep, compressed. Head large
and compressed. Mouth very large, protrusible; teeth villiform on jaws. Eyes
large, the diameter 5 to 6 times in head length. Dorsal spines rather strong; anal
spines moderately strong, second spine longest. Caudal fin slightly rounded. Scales
ctenoid; lateral line interrupted at about 36th scale.
Colour and size: Greenish-brown with brassy reflections; vertically marbled with
three broad patchy blotches; a dusky blotch on caudal fin base; some narrow dark
bands radiate from eye. Fins greenish; yellowish narrow bands of spots across soft
portions of dorsal, anal and caudal fins. Attains a maximum size of 20 cm.
Food and feeding: Carnivorous. Attacks smaller fishes.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Not known, so far not bred in captivity.
Aquarium requirements: Survives in clean water with aquatic vegetation.
Behaviour in captivity: Hides in between leaves of aquatic vegetation, feeding
the fish is a problem as it does not accept artificial feed. Being piscivorous, smaller
fishes cannot be kept along with this.
Prisolepis marginata Jerdon

Dorsal xiv-xvi 11-14
Malabar Catopra English Anal iii (rarely iv) 8
Pectoral 14-15
Chutichi Malayalam
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body oblong and compressed. Mouth moderate;

teeth villiform on jaws, outer row of teeth somewhat enlarged and in some speci-
mens two or four only enlarged in lower jaw; teeth villiform on vomer. Dorsal
spines rather stout; second anal spine strongest but as long as third spine. Lateral
line interrupted (divided) opposite fourth dorsal fin ray on 21st scale, with 25 to
27 scales.
Colour and size: Greyish-green with purplish reflections; often vertically banded.
Fins with lighter edges; caudal fin with whitish out edge. Attains a maximum size
of 17cm.
Food and feeding: Omnivorous, but accepts pelletted feed also.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Exhibits no sexual dimorphism except during
the time of breeding. Male has an enlarged anal papilla and female with a pot
belly. But sexes can be identified by the behaviour in captivity. Mature male
exhibits territorial behaviour. Captive breeding and larval rearing techniques have
been developed by the first author of this book (Anna Mercy et al., 2003).
This fish has some interesting spawning behaviour that a hobbyist should note.
They are guarders and lithophil spawners. The mature male fish starts nest build-
ing by selecting a portion in the tank and displaying territorial behaviors. The male
exhibits greater aggressiveness and territoriality and is busily engaged in prepar-
ing a nest in the pebbly bottom. The nest of common catopra is nothing but a
small depression like-structure made of pebbles. For the preparation of pebble nest
the male carries big-sized pebbles to the proposed site of the nest and at the same
time takes away smaller ones and sand particles. Their thick lips are the only or-
gans used as tools. Each stone is carefully fanned for cleaning after placing it in
the pit. The completed nest is in the form of a pit with little thick risen border.
The nest is very clearly distinguishable from other parts of the tank. They prefer
to have their honeymoon in the pebbly bottom.
When the pit is ready, the female is invited to the nest. The courtship rituals in-
clude the sidewise lying inside the pit, along with shivering of the fins and body.
They circle inside the pit and shake their fins and body vigorously. They incline
slightly to one side and keeping the anal region close to one another, the female
with a more enlarged genital papillae releases a few eggs, the milt from the male
simultaneously fertilizes the eggs. The eggs fall into the voids of the stones. Af-
ter a short while, the same act is repeated several times. The female tries to de-
vour the eggs whenever it gets a chance but the male defends her.
When the spawning activities are completed, the male starts guarding the eggs by
fanning with its fins and defending any intruders. The male also continues to re-
arrange the pebbles until the pit is changed into a heap. After four days the free-
swimming larvae comes out through the gaps in the pebbles.
The fish spawns year round. The success of this research indicates the possibil-
ity of commercial production of this rare species for ornamental trade.
Aquarium requirements: Requires gravel bottom, survives well in aerated clean
water.
Behaviour in captivity: Though not brightly coloured this grayish-green coloured

species makes an excellent candidate for your aquarium. Its behaviour is pretty
enough to catch your eyes and challenging enough to keep your interest. It is a
slow moving fish, standing most of the time in still position, moving its pectorals.
It readily accepts any food under captive conditions and is compatible with other
inmates in the aquarium except during its breeding time.
Breeding and courtship behaviour
Pristolepis fasciata (Bleeker)

Dorsal xii-xvi 14-16
Catopra English
Anal iii 8-9
Chutichi, Pannakarimeen, Attuchempally Malayalam Pectoral ii 13
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body thick-set, very deep and compressed. Mouth

moderate; teeth villiform on jaws and palatines. Eyes moderate sized. Dorsal
spines strong. Lateral line interrupted opposite posterior end of dorsal fin, con-
tinued on third row of scales below it, with 26-28 scales.
Colour and size: Greenish or brownish yellow with a deep black spot on shoulder
and another over upper part of pectoral fin base. Fins with reddish edge.
Food and feeding: Omnivorous. But prefers live food.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Males and females can be identified by exam-
ining the genital papilla.
Aquarium requirements: Survives in clean aerated water.
Behaviour in captivity: Peaceful and compatible fish, well suited for community
aquariums. It is a delicious food fish. Very common in brackishwater of the coastal
regions of Kerala.
To analyse the taxonomic relationship of this species from Kerala with the same from
Mekong River, Myanmar and Southeast Asia, further investigations are required.
FAMILY
Teraponidae
P opularly known as ‘tigerperches’. Most of them inhabit ma-

rine and a few in brackish water. Some species also enter in
freshwater. In Kerala there is only one species of Terapon that is most
popular and suitable as ornamental fish, Terapon jarbua. It has some-
what oblong to oval body with slightly compressed shape. Its oper-
culum has two spines. Mouth moderate, protractile with gape usually
oblique. Teeth present on jaws, vomer and palatines. Dorsal fin is
single and anal fin short with three spines.
Therapon jarbua (Forskal)

Dorsal xi-xii 9-11
Jarbua terapon English
Anal iii 7-10
Savamtheeni Malayalam Pectoral 13-14
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body oblong and slightly compressed, its dorsal

profile more pronounced than ventral. Mouth slightly oblique; teeth conical and
strong; teeth on palate in young, lacking in adults. Gillrakers 12 to 15 on lower
arm of first arch. Pored scales in lateral line 75 to 100.
Colour and size: Silvery greyish-blue above, silvery white below, with 3 or 4 lon-
gitudinal downwardly curved black stripes which resemble the contours of moun-
tains on a map. Fins hyaline, dorsal fin with an intensive large black spot; cau-
dal fin with dark tips and three horizontal or oblique stripes. Maximum size
25 cm.
Food and feeding: Omnivorous. But prefers animal food.
Aquarium requirements: Gradual acclimatization from brackishwater to fresh
water is required. Survives in hard water.
aquariums.
FAMILY
Cichlidae
P opularly known ‘pearl spot’ and ‘orange chromide’ are included in this
family. The Cichlidae family stands out as an extraordinary example of
vertebrate evolution. Cichlids form an important group of relatively large and
colourful aquarium fishes. The behavioral and physical changes resulting from
intense speciation in cichlids is equally impressive. Cichlids demonstrate some of
the most unique and intensive parenting in fishes and utilize several different
mating systems, from monogamy to polygynandry most cichlids are distinguished
from all other freshwater fish by the existence of two unique features: a single
opening of the nostrils and an interrupted lateral line. Body shape quite variable,
mostly moderately deep and compressed Dorsal fin usually with 7-25 spines and
5-30 soft rays. Spines in anal fin 3-15 (generally 3); soft rays 4-15 (a few with 30).
Colorful cichlids are reared as aquarium fish. There are only three species of
cichlids indigenous to the Western Ghats of India. They are Etroplus maculatus,
Etroplus suratensis and Etroplus canerensis. The former is popular as ornamental
fish and the latter is an excellent food fish.
Etroplus suratensis (Bloch)

Banded pearlspot, Striped chromide English Dorsal xviii-xix 14-15
Anal xii-xiii 11-12
Sethakendai Tamil
Pectoral i 16
Karimeen Malayalam
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body very deep, short, oval and strongly

compressed. Eyes large, its diameter 3 to 4 times in length of head. Mouth
small; teeth villiform, in a single row anteriorly but in one or two rows
posteriorly on both jaws. Caudal fin slightly emarginate. Scales weakly ctenoid;
lateral line interrupted at 16th or 18th scale; 35 to 40 scales in longitudinal
series.
Colour and size: Light green with six to eight not very prominent vertical bands
(first across occiput, last across base of caudal fin, other six intermediate); most
of scales above lateral line with a central white pearly spot; some irregular black
spots on abdomen. Dorsal, caudal, pelvic and anal fins bluish or dirty green;
pectoral fins yellowish, with a black blotch at its base. Attains a maximum size
of 50 cm. Juveniles more attractive as aquarium fish.
Food and feeding: Omnivorous. But prefers vegetable food.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Males and females can be identified by
examining the genital papilla. Captive breeding is successful. Exhibits parental

care.
Aquarium requirements: Survives in clean aerated water with aquatic plants in
the tank.
aquariums.
It is an excellent food fish, especially big sized ones. Very common in
brackishwater and coastal regions of Kerala and Sri Lanka. They thrive well where
luxuriant growth of aquatic vegetation is available and attain 10-12 cm and
150 g is one year in ponds. Sexual maturity is attained in the second year; females
guard the fertilized eggs. Since they are deep-bodied and are armed with spines,
they do not easily fall prey to murrels (Channa spp.) and as such can be cultivated
safely with them. Brackishwater ponds and wells unfit for culture of freshwater
fishes like catla or gourami are ideally suited for the culture of the pearlspot.
Usually found in Vembanad Lake, Kerala. This species was transplanted to other
Indian states such as Tamil Nadu, Orissa and West Bengal for promoting aquac-
ulture.
Habitat of Pearlspot
Etroplus maculatus (Bloch)

Spotted etroplus, Orange chromide English Dorsal xvii-xx 8-10
Anal xii-xv 8-9
Thikree Marathi
Pectoral i 15-16
Pallathi Malayalam
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body disc-shaped, very deep and strongly

compressed. Eyes large, the diameter about 3 times in head length. Mouth small;
teeth villiform, in 2 or 3 rows on jaws. Caudal fin lunate. Scales weakly ctenoid;
lateral line interrupted, with about 35 scales in longitudinal series.
Colour and Size: Golden yellowish, back greenish, with numerous horizontal lines
of deep golden spots; three large, round black blotches on flanks, middle. Attains
a maximum size of 8 cm. A brilliantly coloured (orange) variety of this species
is also reported from Kerala.
Food and feeding: Omnivorous, readily accepts pelletted feed. It also consumes
aquatic vegetation.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Males are brilliantly coloured and more
attractive. Breeding in tank is successful. Exhibits nest building and parental care.
Aquarium requirements: Survives in clear water. It can survive in non-aerated
aquarium also. Tolerates lower salinity also.
Etroplus canarensis Day

Dorsal xxi-xxii 8
Canara pearlspot English Anal xiv-xvi 6-7
Varavu Karimeen Malayalam Pectoral 16
Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body deep and compressed. Eyes large, its diameter
3 to 3.5 times in head length. Mouth small; teeth villiform, in 2 or 3 rows on jaws.
Caudal fin emarginate. Scales weakly ctenoid; lateral line interrupted after 15 to
25 scales; 30 or 31 scales in longitudinal series.
Colour and size: Yellowish brown with about eight vertical blackish bands; each
side darkest at its base and some with a light central yellow spot. Dorsal and cau-
dal fins dirty greenish; pectoral fins yellow, with a black base; pelvic and anal fins
dusky. Attains a length of 11.5 cm.
Behaviour in captivity: Hardy fish, peaceful and compatible with other species.
This critically endangered cichlid is confined to a single drainage in Karnataka
State.
FAMILY
Scatophagidae
P opularly known as ‘scats’. They have laterally compressed
disc- like and deep body similar to the appearance of marine but-
terfly fishes. They have well-developed dorsal and anal fin spines.
Their head is small and mouth is non protractile. Scales very small
and ctenoid. Only one species is known, which is mainly confined to
lower reaches of freshwater streams. Scat feeds on detritus and small
invertebrates that are scavenged from the bottom. In aquarium tanks,
they accept pelletted feed. There are two genera, only one in Indian
region.
Scatophagus argus (Linnaeus)
Juvenile scat (inset)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsaal xi 16-18
Scat English
Anal vi 14-15
Pectoral 16-17
Nachakka Malayalam Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body quadrangular, strongly compressed. Head pro-

file rising steeply to nape; snout and interorbital space rounded. Mouth small,
with brush-like teeth. Dorsal fin deeply notched; dorsal fin membrane incised
between spines. Scales very small.
Colour and size: Variable colour patterns. Young fishes of about 2 cm are usu-
ally quite dark in colour; finest colouration and markings are attained in fishes
of about 5-6 cm total length; uniform greenish-silvery, bluish-silver or coffee-
brown with a delicate golden-sheen, especially on back; numerous dark spots
mainly confined to upper portion of sides. Attains a maximum size of 30cm.
Food and feeding: Omnivorous, but accepts pelletted feed also.

Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Not known, not so far bred in captivity.
Aquarium requirements: It is euryhaline and can withstand salinity up to 25ppt.
It can be gradually acclimatized to fresh water conditions. It should be kept in
large tanks with plenty of water.
Behaviour in captivity: Hardy and compatible, ideal species for aquarium.
Remarks: An attractive fish with different colouration when they are young. Some
fishes have red spots arranged in various patterns on the back; such form are
known as Scatophagus rubrifrons, a name which is quite incorrectly given since
these are merely varieties of S. argus and should at the most be called ‘Red Argus’.
Lake Ashtamudi, Kerala
FAMILY
Gobiidae
P opularly known as the ‘lilliputians’ of the fish world. Gobies are

colourful fishes with flattened head, large eyes and short snouts. The
eyes are high upon the head. There are two dorsal fins and the margin of
the pelvic fins are joined to form a sucker. Pelvic fin when well developed,
united usually forming an adhesive or sucking disc. This family is prob-
ably the most species rich of all living fish families, but not well represented
in the aquarium industry. Usually carnivorous and remains towards the bot-
tom of tank. Not good for community aquarium.
Sicyopterus griseus (Day)

Dorsal vi+i 8-9
Tank goby English
Anal i 7-9
Poolan Malayalam Pectoral 16-21
Distinguishing characters: Body anteriorly cylindrical, posteriorly compressed.

Head depressed, flat above, its length about 4.25 times in standard length. Mouth
nearly horizontal; lower margin of upper lip with short papillae. Dorsal spines
filiform. Scales of head and nape cycloid, smaller than those of middle of body;
about 80 scales in longitudinal series; predorsal scales 25.
Colour and size: Brownish, with eight or nine rings of a darker tint encircling the
body and wider than interspaces. Fins dark, darker at edges. Attains a maximum
size of 10 cm.
Food and feeding: Carnivorous, does not accept
artificial feed.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Not bred in
captivity.
Aquarium requirements: Survives in clean, aerated
water with aquatic plants in the tank.
Behaviour in captivity: It always remains hidden
behind big stones or buried in the mud. Feeding
the fish is a problem as it doesn’t readily accept
artificial feed. This species is confined to backwaters
and lower stretches of rivers in Kerala, Tamil Nadu
and Sri Lanka.
Awaous gutum (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Dorsal vi + i 10
Gobi English
Anal i 10
Poolan Malayalam
Pectoral i 15-17
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate. Eyes fairly small, its diameter 4.5
to 5 times in head. Scales on operculum, breast and belly cycloid, on occiput
ctenoid; 51 to 58 scales in longitudinal series; predorsal scales 17 to 24.
Colour and size: Olive-green, belly yellowish; head with irregular blackish spots
and two longitudinal blackish streaks from eye to maxilla; body with blackish
spots; a blackish spot on base of caudal fin and also on base of pectoral fin. Fins
yellowish; fish dorsal fin with 3 or 4, and second dorsal fin with 5 or 6 longitu-
dinal dark streaks. Attains a maximum size of 15cm.
Food and feeding: It is carnivorous, but accepts artificial feed also.
Aquarium requirements: Thrives well in aquariums for long period. Needs well
aerated water, always hides below the stones or pebbles.
Behaviour in captivity: Compatible, peaceful and hardy, but has a tendency to
feed on smaller fishes in the tanks.
Glossogobius giuris giuris (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Dorsal vi+i 8-9
Tank goby English
Anal i 7-9
Poolan Malayalam Pectoral 16-21
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and somewhat compressed. Eyes

small; iris without process in pupil. Branchiostegal membranes attached to sides
of isthmus.
Colour and size: Yellowish-brown with five dark blotches on flank; sides of head
with irregular violet spots. Dorsal, pectoral and caudal fins mottled with dark
spots, spots darkest along spine of second dorsal fin. Attains a maximum size of
30 cm.
Food and feeding: It is carnivorous. Feed on small fishes. In captivity accepts
pellet feed.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Mature female has a bulged belly, male has
deep colouration when become mature.
Aquarium requirements: This fish thrives well in aquarium for long period.
Needs well-aerated water, always hides below the stones or pebbles.
Behaviour in captivity: Always dwells towards the bottom of the tank. Remains
buried in the tank. Not compatible with small sized fishes. Being carnivorous, it
should be kept with large-sized fishes.
FAMILY
Belontiidae
P opularly known ‘anabantoids’, ‘fighter fish’, ‘gouramis’, and

‘paradise fishes’ are included in this family. Most of them are
famous aquarium fishes. They are primarily freshwater fish, oviparous,
carnivorous, solitary or loosely gregarious but the males are often
highly territorial. All of them exhibit parental care. An outstanding
feature of the family is that males take care of the eggs and larvae by
constructing bubble nest at the surface of water. Males have enlarged
fins and more colourful than females. One of the most celebrated local
fishes, Anabas is capable of wandering cross-country from one water
body to another. It crawls about with its spiky gill covers propped by
its pectoral fins. The fishes of this family are known for their beauty.
Pseudosphromenus (Macropodus) cupanus dayi (Engmann)

Spiketailed paradisefish English Dorsal xiii-xv 5-7
Pauni Tamil Anal xvi-xx 9-13
Karinkana Malayalam Pectoral i 10
Tabuti Kannada Ventral i5
Distinguishing characters: Body oblong and compressed. Mouth small; teeth

small, conical and fixed on jaws. One soft ray of pelvic fin is produced into a
single moderately long filament. Caudal fin pointed with median rays elongated.
Scales large; lateral line rudimentary; 29 to 32 scales in longitudinal series.
Colour and size: Dark olive to green, darker on back; often with a brown stripe
from eye to corner of opercle and brown spots on head; a dusky blotch on caudal
peduncle. Elongated pelvic fin rays scarlet; fins otherwise pale green; soft dorsal
and caudal fins with rows of black spots; edges of fins peculiar white that might
be called phosphorescent. Attains a maximum size of 6 cm.
Food and feeding: Omnivorous, accepts artificial feed.

Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Males are brilliantly coloured with fluorescent
margin in tail, captive breeding is successful. Males prepare bubble nest as in the
case of Siamese fighter and take care of the eggs and young ones.
Aquarium requirements: Thrives well in captive conditions. Hardy and peaceful
fish, needs clear water. They can survive in less oxygenated water also, being
air breathing. It hides among aquatic vegetation, moves in the upper halves of the
water column.
Behaviour in captivity: It is a jumper than most bubble nest builders; its
aquarium should be kept covered. It is also a fairly good larvicidal fish.
Pseudosphromenus
Pseudosphromenus cupanus (Valenciennes)
(Valenciennes)
This fish is widely distributed in Indian subcontinent unlike its subspecies

P. cupanus dayi, but is less attractive. Other requirements and behaviour in
captivity are almost similar to that of P. cupanus dayi.
FAMILY
Channidae
P opularly known as ‘snakehead’. These include large, piscivorous
fish of Asia and Africa. Fishes of this family can be recognized by
the shape of the head which resembles that of a snake. Snakeheads
possess an accessory organ for breathing atmospheric air in oxygen-
depleted bodies of water. They live for many hours out of water and can
migrate across land from one pond to another. They can survive for
longer period with the minimum quantity of water. These species are
important food fishes in their native lands. This predatory fish consist
of a long dorsal fin, small head, large mouth and teeth, and can
survive on land for a short period of time. They feed on other fish,
earthworms, insects, occasionally, small mammals such as rats. Adult
snakeheads can reach a length of one metre and a weight of more than
six kilograms.
Channa micropeltes (Cuvier)
Photograph courtesy : Maurice Kottelat
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal 43-46
Malabar snakehead English Anal 27-30
Pectoral 15
Pullivaka, Pulivaka Malayalam
Ventral 6
Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and fairly rounded in cross-section.

Eyes fairly small, the diameter 8.5 (7 in young) times in head length. Mouth large;
lower jaw with several canines behind a single row of villiform teeth which deep-
ens to about five rows at symphysis; teeth on vomer and palatines. Pelvic fin
about 50% of pectoral fin length. Scales on summit of head small; 16 to 17 scale-
rows between preopercular angle and hind border of orbit; predorsal scales 22;
scales 95 to 110 in longitudinal series.
Colour and size: Varies considerably in young and adults; adults grayish brown,
with head, back and flanks with small brown spots; dorsal fin gray with three or
four narrow dark bands and a white outer edge; anal fin gray with a white mar-
gin; caudal fin gray, spotted with black and with a narrow white outer edge. In
young specimens back grayish, flanks brilliant orange-scarlet; a black band
through eye to upper half of caudal fin, and a second band from angle of mouth
to lower half; in some young speci-

mens vertical bars also present. Ju-
veniles are excellent ornamental
fish. Attains a maximum size of
120 cm.
Food and feeding: Carnivorous, pre- Juvenile C. micropeltes
fers live food.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Not known; attempts to breed this fish and
rear the larvae in captivity has been successfully at the Regional Agricultural Re-
search Station, Kumarakom, Kerala.
Aquarium requirements: Thrives well in captive conditions.
Behaviour in captivity: Bottom dwelling, often hides between stones, exhibits
predatory behaviour, hence large sized specimens cannot be kept in tanks with
smaller species.
This species undergoes one of the most profound colour transformations of any
Asian freshwater fish. Studying the genetic relationship of the isolated population
of this species in Kerala and Malay Peninsula will be of help in genetic improve-
ment programme.
River Noolpuzha, Kerala
Channa marulius (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Giant snakehead English Dorsal 45-55
Puveral Tamil Anal 28-36
Hoovina-muri, Madinji Kannada Pectoral 16-18
Cherumeen, Bral Malayalam Ventral 6

Eyes moderate, its diameter 7 to 8 times in head length (eyes larger in young).
Mouth large; lower jaw with 7 to 18 canines behind a single row of villiform teeth
which deepens to 5 or 6 rows at symphysis; teeth on vomer, absent on palatines.
Pectoral fins about half head length; pelvic fin about 75% of pectoral fin length.
Caudal fin rounded. Scales on summit of head of moderate-size, rosette of head-
scales lies between orbits, frontal head-scale occupying central portion of rosette;
two scales between rosette and basal head scale; 10 scale-rows between
preopercular angle and hind border of orbit; predorsal scales 16; scales 60 to 70
in lateral series.
Colour and size: Above lateral line grayish-green, with five or six dark oval
blotches on flank which terminate below lateral line; below lateral line between
blotches pale yellow with reddish tinge; distinct white spots scattered on body.
Dorsal and anal fins with white spots, more distinct towards posterior end of fins;
paired fins pale with a reddish tinge; caudal fin dark with white spots arranged
in form of discontinuous vertical bands; a distinct pale-edged ocellus (fades with
growth) at the base of the caudal fin towards upper side. Juveniles with an
orange band running from eye to middle of caudal fin. It attains a maximum size
of 180 cm.
Food and feeding : Carnivorous.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Shows parental care.
Aquarium requirements: Only juveniles are suitable for aquarium. Not suitable
for community aquariums.
Behaviour in captivity: Being carnivorous, not good for community aquariums.
It usually dwells at the bottom of the tank. Ideal for garden ponds.
Remarks: Juveniles are attractive as ornamental species. A favourite sporting fish,
it can be caught with ladle or spoon but is apt to retire to the bottom after surface
fight. The fish is cultured in irrigation wells in some parts of South India.
Hatchlings are collected from cup-like nets; they are stocked in shallow irrigation
wells and fed on kitchen refuse, frogs and dead animals and grows to a length
of 30cm in one year. The fish is relished as food.
Habitat of Channa sp.
Channa striatus (Bloch)

Striped or Banded snakehead English Dorsal 37-46
Pooli-kuchi, Koochinamarl Kannada Anal 23-29
Kannan, Varal Malayalam Pectoral 15-17
Sohr, Dekhu Marathi Ventral 6

Eyes moderate, its diameter 6 to 7 times in head length. Mouth large; lower jaw
with 4 to 7 canines behind a single row of villiform teeth which deepens to six
rows at symphysis; villiform teeth on vomer and palatines. Pectoral fin about 2
times in head length. Caudal fin rounded. Scales on summit of head large, rosette
of head-scales lies between orbits and hence frontal head-scales forms the central
plate or rosette.
Colour and size: Adults grey to black-green on upper side; from middle of side
upwards very pale, yellow to silvery; belly usually pure white. In young fishes
the upperside paler, with dark blotches on flanks which may form angular bands;
a dark band runs obliquely upwards from snout to edge of gill-cover. Caudal fin
dark, with two distinct pale vertical bands on its base; pectoral and pelvic fins
pale; dorsal fin in young with black blotch at hind end. It attains a maximum size
of 75cm.
Food and feeding : Carnivorous.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Exhibits parental care.
Aquarium requirements: Only juveniles are suitable for aquarium. Needs good
aeration.
Behaviour in captivity: Being carnivorous, not good for community aquarium.
It usually dwells at the bottom of the tank. Ideal for garden ponds.
FAMILY
Cynoglossidae
P opularly known as ‘tonguefishes’. They come under the order

Pleuronectiformes (flatfishes) which are readily distinguished from other
fishes by their compressed body and head with both eyes on the same side.
Eyes are small, close together and sinistral. The caudal is pointed, confluent
with dorsal and anal fins. Mouth small. Tonguefishes are flatfishes which
usually live on the muddy bottom at shallow or moderate depths. Juvenile
tonguefishes swim upright, but undergo metamorphosis early in their
development, in which the right eye migrates to the left side of the head and
the fish begins to swim on its side at the bottom. Tonguefishes are found
mostly in tropical and subtropical seas; a few species are found in
freshwater. Most cynoglossids are less than 30 cm long. There are about 110
species in this family.
Restricted to the West Coast of India
Cynoglossus macrostomus Norman
COMMON NAMES
FIN COUNT
Dorsal 100-106
Malabar-sole English Anal 78-84
Ventral 4
Manthal Malayalam
Caudal 10
Distinguishing characters: Body tongue-shaped. Snout obtusely pointed angle

of mouth reaching well beyond lower eye. Eyes nearly continuous. Two lateral
lines on ocular side, separated by 14 to 16 rows of scales; no lateral line on blind
side. Scales ctenoid on both sides of body.
Colour and size: Ocular side light brown with dark brown mottling forming
diffuse, irregular crossbands; blind side whitish. Dorsal and anal fins grey-black.
Food and feeding: Bottom feeder.
Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Not bred under captivity.
Aquarium requirements: Survives in well aerated water.
Behaviour in captivity: Peaceful, always seen on the ventral side of the body.
FAMILY
Soleidae
P opularly known as ‘soles’. They also come under the order
Pleuronectiformes with compressed body and both eyes on the
right side. Eyes small and close together. Mouth small and
asymmetrical, teeth villiform, and gill membranes are united. Soles
are mainly benthic, neritic fishes occasionally entering estuarine
region.
Euryglossa orientalis (Bloch & Schneider)
FIN COUNT
COMMON NAMES
Dorsal 62-72
Anal 47-57
Oriental-sole English
Pectoral 7
Ventral 5
Manthal Malayalam
Caudal 18-20
Distinguishing characters: Body oblong, both its contours equally arched. Mouth
small, its cleft extending to below middle of eye; lower lip feebly fringed. Pec-
toral fins well developed, left fin somewhat smaller. Scales ctenoid on both sides
of body; head scales on blind side modified into cutaneous sensory processes.
Colour and size: Eyed side brownish with cloudy indistinct patches; tinged yel-
low on blind side. Vertical fins darker; outer half of pectoral fins black. It attains
a maximum size of 18 cm.
FAMILY
Tetraodontidae
P opularly known as ‘puffer fishes’, ‘balloon
‘globe fishes’ and ‘blow fishes’. All express their special feature of
being able to blow themselves upto twice their normal size or more. The
fishes’,
body is rounded, with large prominent eyes that give an air of terror. The
dorsal and anal fins are backwardly placed without spines. The skin is
tough with small erectable spines, replacing scales. The colour of belly is
yellowish white. Most of them are marine, but two freshwater species and
one migratory species are reported in the rivers of the Western Ghats.
travancoricus
Tetraodon travancoricus Hora & Nair

Dorsal 7-8
Malabar Puffer Fish English
Anal 8
Thavalappothal Malayalam Pectoral 16-17
Distinguishing characters: Body oblong and compressed laterally; dorsal profile

arched, highest at midst of back; interorbital space flat. Mouth terminal, directed
forward. Nostril hollow tube, nearly as high as wide, only its distalmost part
formed into two very small lobes which are bent inwards giving a key-hole
appearance to opening of nasal organ. Body spinules inconspicuous.
Colour and size: Ground colour of upper parts grayish, of lower parts much
lighter; usually two black, oval patches on upper lateral surface of body in front
of dorsal fin; posterior to the patches, a dark, broad band running to caudal fin
and partly continuing to central rays; usually a dark spot in middle of course of
band; other dark spots at base of caudal fin and at base of posterior most two
dorsal fin rays; a dark patch above pectoral fin and a spot behind it; dorsal surface
with a narrow, light interocular band, two irregular dark patches behind eyes and
followed by a V-shaped marking; an irregular band in front of dorsal fin and
triangular patches in front of or behind dorsal fin. Fins hyaline. Attains a
maximum length of 3cm and it is the smallest species in the family.
Food and feeding: Feed only on live food. They hardly take artificial feed. It is
helpful in removing molluscs like Planorbis in aquarium tanks. They love to eat
snails. This can be a curse or a blessing. If you have an unwanted snail outbreak
from new plants, a few puffer fishes will help crush the infestation. On the other
side it is not advisable to keep decorative snails like apple snails or Planorbis in
a tank with puffer fish.
Breeding requirement : Not known.
Aquarium requirements: Very easy to acclimatize to captive conditions. They
require clean well-aerated water.
Behaviour in captivity: Compatible and peaceful. But they are notorious for nip-
ping the fins of other fishes. The fins thus injured will be infected and may be-
come lethal to the fish. They always remain towards the upper half of the wa-
ter column. They are slow-moving and excellent candidates for monospecies
aquariums.
Lake Vembanad, Kerala.
Carinotetraodon imitator Britz & Kottelat

Male Female

Dorsal 9 - 10
Puffer Fish English
Anal 8-9
Thavalappothal Malayalam Pectoral 17 - 18
Distinguishing Characters: Similar to Tetraodon travancoricus, but

Carinotetraodon imitator can be easily distinguished from T. travancoricus by the
following characters, body spination - few slender pointed spines in C. imitator
versus dense coverage of spines in T. travancoricus; males with pale spots in
versus distinct blotches in T. travancoricus; females with numerous tiny black
spots interspersed among larger blotches versus larger blotches, rarely with few
tiny spots in T. travancoricus; and courting males with erectible middorsal and
midventral keels of skin in C. imitator versus no keels in T. travancoricus.
Colour and Size: Similar to Tetraodon travancoricus, but the dark spot are faded
in males and the numerously tiny black spots of females. Attains a length of 3 cm.
Food and Feeding: Similar to T. travancoricus.
Breeding Requirements: Britz and Kottelat (1999) had reported courtship
behaviour, breeding and larval development of C. imitator in captivity. Breeds in
slightly brackishwater. Eggs hatch seven days after spawning at 22 – 24°C. Lar-
vae are 3.5 mm long and attached to substrates with the ventral side of their yolk
sac.
Behaviour in captivity: As in T. travancoricus. Notorious for nipping the fins of
other fishes. Good for single species aquariums.
Chelonodon patoca (Hamilton-Buchanan)
Juvenile C. patoca (inset)

Dorsal 9-10
Puffer Fish English
Anal 8-10
Thavalappottal Malayalam Pectoral 15-16
Distinguishing characters: Body fairly elongate; head very broad, upper profile
of snout to caudal fin evenly arched; interorbital space flat and broad. Nostril a
round depression, surrounded by a low rim produced into a posterior and anterior
flap. Upper lateral line bent downward below dorsal fin, lower lateral line running
alone lower half of tail on a feeble ridge. Body with a spiny patch on back, throat
and belly; sides naked.
Colour and size: Blackish above with numerous small round yellow spot, flanks
and lower parts silvery. Maximum size 7 cm. Colour pattern of juveniles differ-
ent from adults.
Basically an estuarine species, but found to ascend the rivers for long distances.
References
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Ornamental Fishes of

Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats of India

the Western Ghats of India

jk"Vªh; eRL; vkuqoaf'kd lalk/ku C;wjks

72o E 76o 80o 84o 88o

West coastal plains East coastal plains

T.V.Anna Mercy, A.Gopalakrishnan,

National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources

Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats of India

B iodiversity conservation necessitated knowledge on

I ndia is blessed with a rich diversity of freshwater fishes both in the

History of Ichthyology of the Western Ghats of India

Blind catfish Horaglanis alikunhii (Photograph courtesy : Dr. Subash Babu)

Pool-riffle reach (River Kanjirampuzha, Kerala)

Endemism and ‘Hotspots’

River in flood (River Kabani, Kerala)

Bedrock reach (River Pampa)

River Tambraparani, Tamil Nadu

Anguilla bengalensis bengalensis (Gray and Hardwicke) EN

P opularly known as ‘feather backs’. They are with deep

Notopterus notopterus (Pallas)

COMMON NAMES FIN COUNT

Distinguishing characters: Body oblong and strongly compressed. Head

Sexual dimorphism and breeding: It breeds in stagnant or running water in the

River Kabani, Kerala

P opularly known as ‘eels’. They are long bodied snake-

Anguilla bengalensis bengalensis (Gray & Hardwicke)

COMMON NAMES FIN COUNT

Distinguishing characters: Body elongate. Head conical, flattened dorsally.

Anguilla bicolor bicolor Mc Clelland

COMMON NAMES FIN COUNT

Distinguishing characters: Body elongate. Head conical, flattened dorsally.

provided as hiding places. As it

Dayella malabarica (Day)

COMMON NAMES FIN COUNT

P opularly known ‘carps’, ‘barbs’, ‘minnows’, ‘roaches’,

Salmostoma boopis (Day)

COMMON NAMES FIN COUNT

Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and compressed, its ventral profile

Salmostoma horai (Silas)

Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and compressed, its dorsal profile

Barilius bakeri Day

River Kabani, Karnataka

Barilius canarensis (Jerdon)

Barilius evezardi Day

Distinguishing characters: Body shallow, its depth about 4.6 times in

Chela (Neochela) dadyburjori (Menon)

Chela fasciata Silas

Chela laubuca (Hamilton-Buchanan)

River Karuvannur, Kerala

COMMON NAMES FIN COUNT

Esomus barbatus (Jerdon)

COMMON NAMES FIN COUNT

Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and strongly compressed, its depth 4 to

Esomus danricus (Hamilton-Buchanan)

COMMON NAMES FIN COUNT

Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Males have exceptionally wide pectoral

Upstream of River Bharathapuzha, Kerala

Danio malabaricus (Jerdon)

COMMON NAMES FIN COUNT

Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and strongly compressed, its depth 3 to

Danio neilgherriensis (Day)

COMMON NAMES FIN COUNT

Distinguishing characters: Body elongate and laterally compressed, its depth