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ENDEMIC FRESHWATERFISHES OF

SRI LANKA.

UNIVERSITY OF RUHUNA,DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES BIOLOGY,

MATARAkkamal@nara.ac.lk

Endemic freshwater fishes of Sri Lanka.

01. Acanthocobitis uropthalmus.02. Aplochelius dayi.03. Apalocheliys werneri.04. Belontia signata.05. Channa orientalis.06. Clarias brachysoma.07. Danio pathirana.08. Esomous thermoicos.09. Garra ceylonensis.10. Garra phillipsi.

11. Heteropneustes microps.12. Horadandiya atukorali.13. Labeo fisheri.14. Lepidocephalihthysis jonklaasi.15. Malpulutta kretseri.16. Puntiua asoka.17. Puntius bandula.18. Puntius bimaculatus.19. Puntius cummingii.20. Puntius nigrofasciatus

21. Puntius pleurotaenia.22. Puntius srilankensis.23. Puntius titteya.24. Rasbora vaterifloris.25. Rasbora vilpita.26. Schismatogobius deraniyagala.27. Schistura notostigma.28. Sciyopterus halei.29. Sicyopus jonklaasi.

# Of all Sp. # Of endemic Sp.

Fresh water fish 94 33

Birds 428 26

Mammalian 100 14

Amphibians 55 35

Reptiles 156 81

Diversity of Vertebrate of Sri Lanka.01.Acanthocobitis urophthalus.(Gunther,1868)

Class-Teleostomi.Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) Order-Cypriniformes.Family-Balitoridae.Sub family-Nemacheilinae .Genus- AcanthocobitisSpecies- Acanthocobitis urophthalus.

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AcanthocobitisAcanthocobitis uropthalmusuropthalmus((VairanVairan ehiravaehirava))

*Common name-Banded mountainloach,Vairan ehirava,Tiger loach.

*Max. size-4.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).*Climate-Tropical; 8°N - 6°N*Environment- Demersal; freshwater .*Distribution- Asia: restricted to the south western

lowlands from Kelani River to Nilwala River,Sri Lanka.

*Biology- Found in shallow, flowing waters over pebble substrate. Probably feeds on invertebrates and detritus. A hardy species that is among the favorites in the aquarium fish trade .

AcanthocobitisAcanthocobitis uropthalmusuropthalmus ((VairanVairanehiravaehirava))

• Acanthocobitis urophthalmus picture (Acuro_u0.jpg) by Ott, G. , Acanthocobitis urophthalmus picture (Acuro_u0.jpg) by Ott, G. ,

A. uropthalmus.

02. Aplocheilus dayi (Steindachner, 1892).

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

AplocheilusAplocheilus lineatuslineatus dayidayi((UdaUda handeyahandeya))

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*Common name-Day,s killifish, Uda handaya.*Max. size-9.0 cm TL(male/unsexed) .*Environment-Benthopelagic, non-migratory,

freshwater; brackish.*Climate- tropical; 20 - 25°C.*Distribution-Asia: endemic to Sri Lanka.

Confined to the Kelani basin and the adjacent coastal areas.

*Biology-Usually inhabits shallow, heavily shaded forest streams with a silt substrate. Also occurs in brackish mangrove swamps, often together with Aplocheilus parvus. Feeds on small insects, insect larvae and fish fry.

AplocheilusAplocheilus lineatuslineatus dayidayi ((UdaUda handeyahandeya))

AplocheilusAplocheilus lineatuslineatus dayidayi((UdaUda handeyahandeya))

03. Aplocheilus werneri.(Meinken, 1966).

Class-Teleostomi.

Class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)

Order-Cyprinodontiformes.

Family-Aplocheilidae.

Sub family-Aplocheilinae

Genus- Aplocheilus

Species-Aplocheilus werneri.

AplocheilusAplocheilus werneriwerneri((IriIri hadeyahadeya))

*Common names-Iri handeya, Werner,s killifish.*Max. size-7.0 cm TL .(male/unsexed).*Climate-tropical.*Environment- Benthopelagic; non-migratory;

freshwater .*Distribution-endemic to Sri Lanka. Known

from Kalu to Nilwala basins. *Biology-Inhabits small, shallow,

slow-flowing, heavily shaded streams and rivulets with a silt or clay substrate. Feeds on insects and fish fry. It is easy to maintain in the aquarium .

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A. werneri.

AplocheilusAplocheilus werneriwerneri ((IriIri hadeyahadeya))

AplocheilusAplocheilus werneriwerneri ((IriIri hadeyahadeya))04. Belontia signata.(Gunther, 1861).

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

BelontiaBelontia signatasignata((ThalkossaThalkossa))

*Common names-Combtail, Thalkossa.*Max. size- 18.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).*Climate-Tropical; 24 - 28°C.*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater ; depth range 0 - 1 m .*Distribution-common in the south west quarter and mid-hill region

of the Mahaweli basin, including the lower hills up to about 800m. Found throughout Kelani and Kalu River basins, Sri Lanka.

*Biology-Inhabits usually slow-flowing, shallow, clear waterstreams, usually with a pebble or sand substrate. Territorial, usually solitary, juveniles form small schools of 3-5 individuals.

Feeds on terrestrial insects and detritus.*Comments-The populations, particularly the brightly colored varieties, appear to have declined significantly during the past ten years probably due to over-fishing and pollution. Exported as an aquarium fish.

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Belontia signata..

BelontiaBelontia signatasignata ((ThalkossaThalkossa))

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

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

ChannaChanna OrientalisOrientalis(Kola (Kola kanayakanaya))

*Common names-Smooth breasted snaked head,Brown snaked head,Kola kanaya, Parandal kanaya.

*Max. size-33.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).*Climate-tropical; 23 - 26°C.*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish;pH range: 6.0 - 8.0.*Distribution-Confined to the south western wet zone, including the

lower south western hills.*Comment-Pollution and loss of rain forest will probably affect populations of this fish.

*Biology-A broadly adapted species occurring in rivers, lakes, ponds, mountain streams and even brackish water Usually hides underthe cover of marginal roots and bogwood. Found in quiet, shaded, clear, flowing waterwith a silt or gravel substrate . Can tolerate very stagnant, poorly oxygenated and turbid water. Also tolerates very foul water. Feedslargely on insects and crustaceans. A small percentage of fish is also included in the diet. spawns in shallow water with a silt or gravelsubstrate. Tolerates a temperature of 36.5°C

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ChannaChanna OrientalisOrientalis (Kola (Kola kanayakanaya))

Channa orientalis

06. Clarias brachysoma.(Gunther, 1864)

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

ClariasClarias brachysomabrachysoma((MaguraMagura))

*Common names-Magura, Walking cat fish.*Max length- 50.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).*Climate-Tropical.*Distribution-Occurs throughout the wet zone

lowlands and the central hill region of the Mahaweli River basin.

*Biology-Inhabits rain forest streams and lowland rivers. Feeds at night on fish, worms, frogs, tadpoles and crustaceans.

ClariasClarias brachysomabrachysoma ((MaguraMagura))

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ClariasClarias brachysomabrachysoma ((MaguraMagura))07. Danio pathirana.(Kottelat & Pethiyagoda,1990).

Class-Teleostomi.Sub class-Actinopterygii(ray-finned fishes).Order-Cypriniformes((carps).Family-Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps).Genus- DanioSpecies- Danio pathirana.

DanioDanio pathiranapathirana((PathiranaPathirana salayasalaya))

*Common name-Barred danio, Pathirana dandiya, Pathirana salaya

*Max. length-6.0 cm TL (male/unsexed)*Climate-Tropical; 22 - 25°C.*Environment-: Benthopelagic; non-migratory; freshwater .*Distribution-Known only from Nilwala River basin in Opatha. *Biology-Occurs in still pools to swift flowing streams with pebble or

boulder substrates, seldom over sand. Has not been found in siltedrivulets flowing into mainstream. More sedentary than D. surface.malabaricus. Forms groups of 3-5 individuals slowly moving nearthe Probably feeds on insects. Aquarium fish exporters voluntarilyrefrained from collecting this species until it was better understoodand bred commercially. Collected in moderate numbers.

*Comments-Population is under threat due to pressure from aquariumfishery, shade loss and agricultural effluents

Danio pathirana.

1. 1. DanioDanio pathiranapathirana ((PathiranaPathirana salayasalaya))

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08. Esomous thermoicos.(Valenciennes, 1842).

Class-Teleostomi.Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) .Order- Cypriniformes (carps).Family- Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps).Genus- EsomousSpecies-Esomous thermoicos.

EsomousEsomous danricadanrica thermoicosthermoicos((RavulRavul dandiyadandiya))

*Common names- Flying barb, ravul dandiya.*Max. length- 12.7 cm TL (male/unsexed).*Climate-Tropical.*Distribution-Common (usually seen).*Biology-Occurs in ponds and ditches and can tolerate very muddy

water during droughts (Ref. 4832). More common in muddy pools than in flowing water. Feeds on insect larvae, smallworms and crustaceans. Spawns semi-adhesive eggs usuallyon floating or marginal vegetation .

E.thermoicos.

2. 2. EsomousEsomous danricadanrica thermoicosthermoicos ((RavulRavul dandiyadandiya))09. Garra ceylonensis. (Bleeker,1863)

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

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GarraGarra ceylonensisceylonensis(Gal (Gal pandiyapandiya))

*Common names-Gal pandi, Stone sucker.*Max. size-15.0 cm TL (male/unsexed). *Climate-Tropical; 24 - 26°C.*Environment- Benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 7.0*Distribution-Throughout the island.*Biology-Occurs in slow to moderately flowing rivers

and streams. Adults and juveniles (>=5 cm.) with fully developed sucking discs are associated with rocky substrates. Juveniles are found throughout the water column, generally free swimming in search of food. Reported to ascend small, rocky streams tobreed. Feeds essentially on algae (diatoms). Popular with the aquarium fish trade .

3. 3. GarraGarra ceylonensisceylonensis (Gal (Gal pandiyapandiya)) GarraGarra ceylonensisceylonensis (Gal (Gal pandiyapandiya))

GarraGarra ceylonensisceylonensis (Gal (Gal pandiyapandiya)) GarraGarra ceylonensisceylonensis (Gal (Gal pandiyapandiya))

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

Class-Teleostomi.Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned

fishes).Order-Cypriniformes. (carps) .Family-Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps).Genus- GarraSpecies-Garra Phillipsi.

GarraGarra phillipsiphillipsi *Common name-Phillip,s garra.*Max. length-10.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).*Climate-Tropical.*Environment- Benthopelagic; freshwater *Distribution-Restricted to mountain streams of

the Knuckles Range in Mahaweli Basin.*Biology-Occurs in rocky areas of hill streams, almost

always in fast-flowing water. More common in deeper and more heavily shaded areas of clear-water streams. Occurs sympatrically with G. ceylonensis in its limited range.Feedsessentially on algae in captivity. This speciesis easy to maintain in aquarium .

*Comment-Siltation poses threat to the fish population.

4. 4. GarraGarra phillipsiphillipsi11. Heteropneustes microps. (Gunther,1864).

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

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HeteropneustesHeteropneustes micropsmicrops((hungahunga))

*Common name-No common name.*Max size-15.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).*Climate-Tropical; 22 - 26°C.*Environment-Demersal; freshwater; brackish .*Distribution-Recorded from Dambuwa, near

Gampaha (basin of the Attanagalu Oya , but recordedfrom India .

*Biology-Occurs mainly in swamps and similar still, often turbid waters (e.g. irrigation ditches). Forms loose schools of about ten individuals of approximately the same size. Enters brackish water. Can survive temperatures up to 39.8°C . An omnivore with nocturnal feeding habits. Very easily maintained in captivity. Sympatric with H. fossiliswhich is more abundant in the type locality. Best method of catch is dewatering of small water holes during drought period .*Comments-Most of the habitat of this fish has largely been lost due to urbanization. Population is under threat due to agricultural effluents .

HeteropneustesHeteropneustes micropsmicrops ((hungahunga)) HeteropneustesHeteropneustes micropsmicrops ((hungahunga))

12. Horadandiya atukorali.(Deraniyagala,1943)

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

HoradandiyaHoradandiya atukaraliatukarali((HoraHora dandiyadandiya))

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*Common name-Horadandiya.*Max. size-3.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).*Climate-Tropical; 24 - 26°C.*Environment- Pelagic; freshwater; brackish; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5.*Distribution-Habitats in Muthurajawela swamp.*Biology-Inhabits still or slow-moving water, frequenting swamps, rice

fields and similar still waters. Found in weedy ponds of coastal plainsCommon in less saline mangrove swamps and in less polluted canals. Often encountered together with Aplocheilus. Feeds on insects.

*Comments-This species forms a noticeable proportion of the kuni. (Small shrimp).

H. atukorali.

HoradandiyaHoradandiya atukaraliatukarali ((HoraHora dandiyadandiya))13. Labeo fisheri.( Jordan & Starks, 1917).

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

LabeoLabeo fisherifisheri((GadayaGadaya)) *Common names-Gadeya, Mountain labeo,

Green labeo.*Max size- 30.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).*Climate-Tropical.*Environment- Benthopelagic; freshwater.*Distribution-Occurs only in a few rocky

streams and the Mahaweli River basin, particularly streams descending from the Knuckles range.

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

*Comments-Shade loss and siltation pose threats to fish population (Ref. 11966). May be greatly endangeredby the damming of Mahaweli River.

5. 5. LabeoLabeo fisherifisheri ((GadayaGadaya))

LabeoLabeo fisherifisheri ((GadayaGadaya)) LabeoLabeo fisherifisheri ((GadayaGadaya))

14. Lepidocephalichthysis jonclaasi. (Deraniyagala,1956)

Class-Teleostomi..Sub class-Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) Order-Cypriniformes (carps)Sub order-Cyprinoidae.Family-Cobitidae (Loaches) , Sub family-Cobitinae Genus- LepidocephalichthysisSpecies- Lepidocephalichthysis jonclaasi..

*Common names-Jonklaas ehirava,Jonklaas,s loach,Spotted loach.

*Max size-6.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).*Climate-Tropical.*Environment-Demersal; non-migratory; freshwater.*Distribution-Previously known only from the type

locality in Wilpita stream, Akuressa, but recently collected from Madakada in the Kalu River basinand in the Kanneliya Reserve in the Gin River basin.

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*Biology-Inhabits shallow, slow-flowing rivulets, heavily shaded, with leaf debris. This fish is not visible from the water surface, being concealed beneath leaf debris. It is too rare to be of value to the aquarium trade which in any case exports largenumbers of the superficially similar Lepidocephalusthermalis .

*Comment-Population is under threat due to deforestation .

Lepidocephalichthysis jonklaasi.

LepidocephalichthysLepidocephalichthys jonklaasijonklaasi ((JonklaasJonklaasehiravaehirava))

LepidocephalichthysisLepidocephalichthysis jonklaasijonklaasi ((JonklaasJonklaasehiravaehirava))

15. Malpulutta kretseri.(Deraniyagala, 1937)

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

MalpuluttaMalpulutta kretserikretseri((MalpuluttaMalpulutta))

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*Common names-Malpulutta,Ornate paradise fish.*Max. size-4.0 cm TL( male/unsexed).*Climate-Tropical; 24 - 28°C.*Environment-Demersal; freshwater; pH range: 5.5 - 7.5.*Distribution-restricted to south western Sri Lanka

in Colombo-Galle-Ratnapura triangle. Was first recorded from Hettipola (near Kurunegala).

*Biology-Restricted to forested areas and small, shallow, slow flowing silted streams with leaf debris and thick marginal vegetation. Stays close to the substrate and is very seldom found in unshaded waters.Feeds on fish fry, plankton and insect larvae. Bubblenest builder Malpulutta kretseri.

MalpuluttaMalpulutta kretserikretseri ((MalpuluttaMalpulutta)) 16. Puntius asoka.(Kottwlat & Pethiyagoda,1989)

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

Puntius asokaPuntius asoka((AsokaAsoka pethiyapethiya))

*Common names-Asoka barb, Asoka pethiya.*Max. size-17.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).*Climate-Tropical; 25 - 30°C.*Environment- Benthopelagic; freshwater; pH

range:6.5 - 7.5; depth range 1 - 2 m .*Distribution-Occurs at elevations of 120-250 m.

Found in the Sitawaka River and Kelaninear Kitulgala

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*Biology-Found in relatively deep (1-2 m)fast-flowing water, in areas with gravel or sand substrates. Juveniles (1-3cm TL) shoaltogether in schools of 30-100 individuals in very shallow water (5-25 cm), downstream. Adults occupydeeper water (1-2m), upstream. Usually occupiesunshaded areas. Fast swimmers and not easilyidentified from water surface. Declining numbers due to intensive fishing by fish exporters .

*Comment-Declining population is due to intensive fishing by fish exporters and siltation.

6. 6. PuntiusPuntius asokaasoka ((AsokaAsoka pethiyapethiya))

17. Puntius bandula. (Kottelat & Pethiyagoda, 1991)

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

*Common name-Bandula barb.*Max. size-4.1 cm SL (male/unsexed).*Climate-Tropical.*Environmental-Benthopelagic; freshwater .*Distribution-Known only from a small, unnamed

stream flowing through Minimaru Coloniya in Pallegama Estate near Galapitamada.

*Biology-Inhabits small, rocky stream flowing through rice field and rubber plantation. Found underleaves and among emersed vegetation in shallow water (<20 cm) on the margins of the stream

*Comment-Population is under threat due to agrochemicals and pressure from aquariumfishery

7. 7. PuntiusPuntius bandulabandula ((BandulaBandula barb)barb) 18. Puntius bimaculatus (Bleeker,1863)

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

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*Common names-Ipilli kadaya, Redside barb.*Max. size-7.0 cm TL(male/unsexed) .*Climate-Tropical; 22 - 24°C.*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater;

pH range: 6.5.*Distribution-Found throughout the island,

but is more abundant in the wet zone. *Biology-Inhabits hill streams, lowland swamps

and dry zone rivers and tanks. Feeds mainly ongreen algae and detritus. Popular for aquarium purposes.

19. Puntius cummingii (Gunther,1868)

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

Puntius cumingiiPuntius cumingii((PothayaPothaya))

*Common names-Cuming,s barb,Pothaya,Two spot barb.*Max. size-5.0 cm TL(male/unsexed) .*Climate-Tropical; 22 - 27°C.*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range:

5.5 - 6.5.*Distribution-Introduced population at Mahaweli (Ginigathena)

well established between Gampola and Ginigathena *Biology-Yellow finned variety usually occurs in flowing

water and stays close to the substrate (sand to boulders).Red finned variety inhabits slow flowing waters of marshesin the Kelani Valley foothills, associated with mud or silt bottoms. Forms medium sized shoals. Matures at 3 cm and spawns during rainy season (Ref. 6468). Feeds on greenalgae, plankton and detritus (Ref. 6469). Population withstrongly bifurcate caudal fin from introduced Mahaweli stock.

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P. cummingii.

8. 8. PuntiusPuntius cumingiicumingii ((PothayaPothaya))

Puntius cumingiiPuntius cumingii ((PothayaPothaya)) 20. Puntius nigrofasciatus.(Gunther,1868)

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

Puntius nigrofasciatusPuntius nigrofasciatus((BulathBulath hapayahapaya))

*Common name-Black ruby barb, Bulath hapaya.*Max. size-6.0 cm TL (male), 6.7 cm TL (female)*Climate-Tropical; 22 - 26°C.*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5*Distribution-Restricted to forest streams from the

Kelani to the Nilwala basins. Introduced toMahaweli at Ginigathena.

*Biology-Inhabits clear, cool, shady streams in forested areas, on gravel or sand substrate. Sometimes found in pools of quiet water in the margins of clear streams and rivers .Bred in captivity. Spawns in shallow water among marginal weeds. Eggs (>100) hatch in 1-2 days; fry are free-swimming after 24 h.. Feeds mainly on filamentous algae and detritus. Males brightly colored and with darkerfins. Popular aquarium fish .

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*Comment-Significant decrease in number ofmore colorful varieties due to the aquarium export trade.

10. 10. PuntiusPuntius nigrofasciatusnigrofasciatus ((BulathBulathhapayahapaya))

Puntius nigrofasciatusPuntius nigrofasciatus ((BulathBulath hapayahapaya))

P. nigrofasciatus.

21. Puntius pleurotaenia. (Bleeker,1863)

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

Puntius pleurotaeniaPuntius pleurotaenia((HithaHitha massamassa))

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*Common names-Black lined barb, Hitha massa,Side striped barb.*Max. size-16.0 cm TL (male/unsexed)*Climate-Tropical; 22 - 26°C.*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5.*Distribution-Restricted to the lower south western hills

of the central massif, within the catchments of the Kelani and Nilwala Rivers.

*Biology- Tends to form small shoals. More abundant inthe larger, clearwater, undisturbed, deep (>1m),heavily shaded streams. Stays in the middle of the water

column .Feeds on filamentous algae, terrestrial insects and detritus. No observations on breeding in captivity. Maturityat 6.4 cm. Does well at 29°C water temperature. Exploitedby the tropical fish export trade, larger specimens are eaten .

Puntius pleurotaeniaPuntius pleurotaenia ((HithaHitha massamassa))

11. 11. PuntiusPuntius pleurotaeniapleurotaenia ((HithaHitha massamassa)) 22. Puntius srilankensis.(Senanayake,!985).

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

PuntiusPuntius srilankensis srilankensis (Lay(Lay titayatitaya)) *Common names- Blotched filamented barb, Dankudu pethiya.

*Max. size- 10.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).*Climate-Tropical.*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater.*Distribution-restricted to the eastern slopes of the

Knuckles Hills in the Kalu River at Pallegama, Sri Lanka at elevations of 300-500 m.

*Biology-A mid-water fish found in areas of rapidly flowing water with pebbly substrate (not found in silty substrate).With a clearly defined territory (of several square meters) andwithout lateral spatial preferences. Individuals of the same size often form loose schools.

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*Comments-§ Very rare and the only known existing

population is in imminent danger of extinction due to the siltation of the Kalu caused by gem mining upstream.

§ Presently not available in sufficient numbers to be exported by the aquarium trade.

§ Very rare and in imminent danger of extinction. Deforestationand siltation caused by upstream mining pose threats to thepopulation .

12. 12. PuntiusPuntius srilankensissrilankensis (Lay(Lay titayatitaya))

12. 12. PuntiusPuntius srilankensissrilankensis (Lay(Lay titayatitaya))23. Puntius titteya. (Deraniyagala, 1929)

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

Puntius titteyaPuntius titteya(Lay (Lay titteyatitteya))

*Common name- Cherry barb, Lay titteya.*Max.size- 5.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).*Climate-Tropical; 23 - 27°C.*Environment- Benthopelagic; freshwater;

pH range: 6.0 - 8.0.*Distribution- Found only in the low-country wet

zone up to elevations of about 300 m, from the Kelanito the Nilwala basins.

*Biology-Occurs mainly in heavily shaded streams and rivulets,preferring shallow, slow-flowing water with silt substrate and leaf debris. Omnivorous, the gut containing detritus, green algae, diatoms, diptera and animal matter. About 200 eggs are scattered among marginal plants. Young hatch in 1-2 days and arefree-swimming after 48 hours.

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*Comments-§ The more colorful varieties are possibly being

over fished for the aquarium trade. § Pollution of streams and deforestation probably pose

bigger threats.

13. 13. PuntiusPuntius titteyatitteya (Lay (Lay titteyatitteya))

Puntius titteyaPuntius titteya (Lay (Lay titteyatitteya))

Puntius titteya.

24. Rasbora vaterifloris. (Deraniyagala, 1930)

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

RasboraRasbora vateriflorisvaterifloris(Hal mal (Hal mal dandiyadandiya))

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*Common names- Golden rasbora, Hal mal dandiya, Veteria flower rasbora.

*Max. size-4.0 cm TL (male/unsexed)*Climate-Tropical; 25 - 29°C.*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.0 - 6.0 .*Distribution-Found only in the middle catchment area of Kalu to

Nilwala basins.*Biology-Occurs in shallow, cool, clear, quiet, heavily shaded

forest streams, usually with a silty substrate and often in areaswith a large amount of leaf debris in the water. Feeds onterrestrial insects (Diptera and Coleoptera,) and detritus. Males slimmer and brightly colored than females.

*Comment- Threatened by over fishing for aquarium trade, deforestation and pollution.

14 14 RasboraRasbora vateriflorisvaterifloris (Hal mal (Hal mal dandiyadandiya))

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

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

*Common name-Wilpita rasbora.*Max. size-7.2 cm SL (male/unsexed).*Climate-Tropical.*Environment- Benthopelagic; freshwater.*Distribution-Known only from a small stream in Wilpita. *Biology- Inhabits shallow, slow-flowing, heavily shaded streams .*Comments-That stream is under threat due to deforestation.

Presently only about 700 m of the stream left more or less undisturbed. Considered an endangered species .

14. 14. RasboraRasbora wilpitawilpita ((WilpitaWilpitadandiyadandiya))

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26. Schismatogobius deraniyagala. (Kottelat & Pethiyagoda, 1989).

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

SchismatogobiusSchismatogobius deraniyagalaideraniyagalai(Redneck goby)(Redneck goby)

Common name – Redneck goby.Max. size - 4.5 cm TL (male/unsexed).Climate - Tropical; 22 - 27°C; 8°N - 7°N.Environment – Demersal; freshwater ; depth range 0 - 1 m. Distribution - Asia: We River (Kelani basin), about 5 km

upstream of the Kelani and Yatiyantota junction, Sri Lanka.Also in a tributary of the Gin River in the Kanneliya Forest Reserve. Philippines, Australia and India.

Biology - Found in shallow areas of rivers with sandy, coarse sand or gravel substrate in which it buries itself when disturbed. Usually occur in big groups. Insectivore. Has been bred in captivity at an experimental level, but with alarval mortality of 100%.

SchismatogobiusSchismatogobius deraniyagalaideraniyagalai(Redneck goby)(Redneck goby)

27. Schistura notostigma. ( Bleeker, 1863)

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

SchisturaSchistura notostigmanotostigma((KanduKandu ehiravaehirava))

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*Common names- Banded mountain loach,Kandu ehirava.*Max. size- 8.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).*Climate- Tropical; 22 - 24°C.*Environment-Benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0.*Distribution- Fairly common (chances are about 50%).*Biology- Found usually browsing among pebbles in shallow,

flowing water. Can ascend steep inclines and also occurs ineven the highest mountain streams.

SchisturaSchistura notostigmanotostigma ((KanduKandu ehiravaehirava))

28. Sicypterus halei. (Day, 1888).

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

SicyopterusSicyopterus haleihalei(Red tailed goby)(Red tailed goby)

*Common name- Red tailed goby.*Max. size- 8.0 cm TL (male/unsexed ).*Climate- Tropical.*Environment-Demersal; amphidromous; freshwater .*Distribution- Collected from rocky pools in Kuruwita and the

middle reaches of the Sitawaka River, upstream of Karawanella.Also recorded from the Kanneliya Forest Reserve (Gin basin).

*Biology-Inhabits deep, clear, cool pools with flowing water and a rocky substrate. It occurs mainly in the faster flowing parts of streams. Young feeds on fly larvae and other small, rockclinging insects. Adult grazes on algae. Possibly amphidromous .

*Comment-Population is under threat due to dowstreamimpoundment and siltation.

SicyopterusSicyopterus haleihalei (Red tailed goby)(Red tailed goby)

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SicyopterusSicyopterus haleihalei (Red tailed goby)(Red tailed goby)29. Sicyopus jonklaasi. (Klausewitz & Henrich,

1986).

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

SicyopusSicyopus jonklaasijonklaasi(Lipstick goby)(Lipstick goby)

*Common name- Lipstick goby.*Max. size- 4.5 cm TL (male/unsexed ).*Climate- Tropical; 23 - 25°C.*Environment- Benthopelagic; amphidromous; freshwater;

brackish; marine; pH range: 7.0; depth range 0 - 2 m .*Distribution- Known from Atweltota (in the middle catchment

of the Kalu River), Sitawaka (Kelani basin) and Kuru River atEratne (Kalu basin) and the Opatha River at Opatha(Nilwala basin).

*Biology-Found in rocky mid-hill streams with fast flowing water. Adheres to the sides of submerged rock through sucking discs. Occurs usually in water 50-150 cm deep. Carnivore. Sudden,heavy rainfall with an accompanying drop in water temperature induces spawning, usually in a cavity excavated in sand in the shelter of a stone. Eggs hatch in the event of another heavy rainfall.Larvae are swept downriver to the sea, mature adults migrateupstream

to spawning grounds. Possibly amphidromous .*Comment-Population is under threat due to downstream impoundment .

SicyopusSicyopus jonklaasijonklaasi (Lipstick goby)(Lipstick goby) SicyopusSicyopus jonklaasijonklaasi (Lipstick goby)(Lipstick goby)

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Threatened to endemic fish biodiversity-

1. Large scale habitat alteration & deforestation.2. Over harvesting for ornamental fish trade & human

consumption.3.Use of pesticide in agriculture purposes.4.Drainage & filling of wetlands for urbanization.5.Distractive fishing methods.6.Pollution & conversion of wild lands to agriculture & urban

development.7.Introduced exotic species.

Reference-

1 .http//www.fishbase.com.2. MUNRO, I.S.R. 1955. The marine and freshwater fishes of

Ceylon, Dept. External affairs, Canbara, Australia.3. Pethiyagoda, R. 1991. Fresh water fishes of Sri Lanka. Wildlife

Heritage Trust of Sri Lanka, Colombo.4. Protected fresh water fishes of Sri Lanka.(2001),National science

foundation, Sri Lanka.5.Sujan Madurange H.G.(2003),Endemic fishes of Sri Lanka.Dept.

of National Zoology,Dehiwala.

Prepared by,KOLITHA KAMAL