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FRESH WATER FOOD FISH OF

SRI LANKA.

Department of Fisheries Biology,University of Ruhuna,

Matara.kkamal@nara.ac.lk

Fresh water food fish of Sri Lanka –

1. Anabas testudineus .2. Anguilla bicolor bicolor .3. Anguilla nebulosa.4. Barbodes sarana .5. Channa striata .6. Clarias brachysoma .7. Etroplus maculatus.8. Etroplus suratensis.9. Glossogobius giuris.10. Heteropneustes fossilis.

11. Hyporhamphus limbatus.12. Labeo dussumieri .13. Mastacembelus armatus.14. Mystus keletius .15. Mystus vittatus.16. Ompok bimaculatus.17. Puntius dorsalis.18. Puntius chola.19. Puntius filamentosus.20. Tor khudree.21. Wallago attu.

1. Anabas testudineus (Bloch,1792).(Climbing perch ).

Class – Teleostomi.Sub class - Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) .Order – Perciformes (perch-likes) .Family - Anabantidae (Climbing gouramies).Genus – Anabas.Species - Anabas testudineus.

Common names – Climbing perch, Kavaiya.Max. size - 25.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).Environment - demersal; freshwater; brackish ; depth range - 0 m .Abundance - Abundant (always seen in some numbers) .Climate - Tropical; 22 - 30°C; 28°N - 10°S.Distribution - Asia: India to Wallace line including China.

May have been distributed in more areas than were commonly reported.

Biology –Found mostly in canals, lakes, ponds, swamps and estuaries.Occurs in medium to large rivers, brooks, flooded fields and stagnant

water bodies including sluggish flowing canals .Often found in areas with dense vegetation . Can tolerate extremely unfavorable water conditions and is

associated mainly with turbid, stagnant waters. Remains buried under the mud during dry season. Feeds on

macrophytic vegetation, shrimps and fish fry .Reported to undertake lateral migration from the Mekong mainstream, or other permanent water bodies, to flooded areas during the flood season and return to the permanent water bodies at theonset of the dry season.

During the dry season, it stays in pools associated with submergedwoods and shrubs .

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Possesses an accessory air-breathing organ. Able to survive for several days or weeks out of water if the air

breathing organs can be kept moist. Fish famous for its ability to walk; important food fish in SE Asia,

considered a tasty food fish but not of the finest quality since it isbony .

Usually sold live in markets where it is kept alive for several daysby keeping it moist.

Diagnosis:Dorsal spines (total): 16-20; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-10; Anal spines: 9-11; Anal soft rays: 8-11. Color in life dark to pale greenish, very pale below, back dusky to

olive; head with longitudinal stripes ventrally; posterior marginof opercle with a dark spot; iris golden reddish. Body form variable, affected by age and amount of food consumed.

Scaled head with 4-5 rows between eye & rear margin of preoperculum. Scales large & regularly arranged, ciliate.

Comments-Widespread throughout the country except in the central hills.

Anabas testudineus. 2. Anguilla bicolor bicolor (McClelland, 1844).(Indonesian short fin eel)

Class – Teleostomi.Sub class - Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) .Order - Anguuilliformes (eels and morays). Family - Anguillidae (Freshwater eels) .Genus - AnguillaSpecies - Anguilla bicolor bicolor .

Common names – Kakkuta arndha, Level finned eel, Kalu aandha.Max. size - 120 cm TL (male/unsexed).Environment - Demersal; catadromous; freshwater; brackish; marine .Abundance - common (usually seen) .Climate - Tropical; 22°N - 27°S.Distribution - Indo-Pacific: widespread in the tropical Indian Ocean

and western Pacific. Known in Australia only from streams in theKimberley regions of northern western Australia. Southern Africa:widespread but relatively uncommon along east and southeast Africaan coast and Madagascar. Mozambique; Lower Zambezi River.Most easily confused with Anguilla obscura and the surest way todistinguish them is by the count of vertebrae .

Biology –Lives in fresh water areas as an adult, in estuaries and seas as youngInhabits freshwater streams and pools, preferring marshy habitats. Descends to the sea to spawn.Restricted to lowland (coastal) reaches of river systems.Found in rivers and creeks, commonly over rock bottoms and in deeper pools. Seldom occurs in large rivers.Feeds on small fishes, crustaceans and mollusks. Reported to breed east of Madagascar; the south equatorial currentprobably carries the eel larvae and elvers towards the east coast of Africa where local coastal currents guide the elvers to suitable riverswhich they invade and they stay there until sexually mature, when they return to their breeding grounds.Caught with various types of nets. Sometimes used in the aquariumtrade.

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Diagnosis –Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 240-245; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 200-220; Vertebrae: 105-109. Olive to dark bluish-brown dorsally, lighter ventrally from jaw to anuDorsal fin origin above vent.Teeth small, inconspicuous, multiserial, forming broad continuous bands on jaws and vomer; vomerine tooth-band extending as far backas bands of upper jaw but more pointed posteriorly .

Comments –Widespread over the lowlands, particularly in coastal waters. Adults are popular food fish. Small individuals are sometimes usedfor the aquarium trade .

A. Bicolor bicolor.

3. Anguilla nebulosa (McClelland, 1844).(Mottled eel )

Class – Teleostomi.Sub class - Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).Order - Anguilliformes (eels and morays) .Family - Anguillidae (Freshwater eels) .Genus – Anguilla.Species - Anguilla nebulosa .

Common names - Long finned eel, Pol mal aandha.Max. size - 121 cm TL (male/unsexed)max. published weight - 7,000 g.Environment - Demersal; catadromous; freshwater; brackish;

marine ; depth range 3 - 10 m .Abundance - fairly common (chances are about 50%) .Climate – Tropical.Distribution - Indian Ocean: from east Africa to Sumatra, Indonesia. Biology -

Found in both rivers and lakes, adults rarely in coastal swamps, withwide temperature tolerance.

Shy and secretive, and is found in greatest abundance in mud substrates of dry zones. Most often found in deep rock pools in rivers in the wet zones. Probably feeds on small fish, crustaceans, worms and molluscs. Species is too large for use in the aquarium trade, however is awelcome food fish when caught .

4. Barbodes sarana (Hamilton, 1822).(Olive barb).

Class – Teleostomi.Sub class - Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).Order - Cypriniformes (carps).Family - Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps).Genus - BarbodesSpecies - Barbodes sarana .

Common name – Mas pethiya.Max. size - 42.0 cm TL (male/unsexed)max. published weight - 1,400 g .Environment - Benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish.Abundance - Common (usually seen) .Distribution - Asia: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal,

Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Reported from Thailand .Biology –

Occurs in rivers, streams, lakes and beels. Tolerant of salinity. Forms schools in groups of four or five toseveral dozens. Feeds on aquatic insects, fish, algae and shrimps. Spawns in running waters among submerged boulders and vegetationSmall fish have limited demand in the aquarium trade

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Diagnosis -Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Body oblong, head, small, barbells 2 pairs. Maxillary pair longer than orbit, rostral pair shorter.

Comments –Caught with same gear in fishing for Oreochromis mossambicushence may have been overexploited in recent years.

5. Channa striata (Bloch, 1793).(Snakehead murrel)

Class – Teleostomi.Sub class - Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) .Order - Perciformes (perch-likes). Family - Channidae (Snakeheads).Genus – Channa.Species - Channa striata .

Common names – Loolla, Murrel.Max. size - 100.0 cm SL (male/unsexed).Max. published weight - 3,000 g .Environment - Benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish; pH range:

7.0 - 8.0; dH range: 20.0 ; depth range - 10 m .Abundance - Common (usually seen) .Climate - Tropical; 23 - 27°C; 35°N - 18°S.Distribution - Asia: Pakistan to Thailand and south China.

Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction.

Biology –Inhabits ponds, streams and rivers, preferring stagnant and muddywater of plains. Found mainly in swamps, but also occurs in the lowland rivers. More common in relatively deep (1-2 m), still water. Very common in freshwater plains. Occurs in medium to large rivers, brooks, flooded fields and stagnant

waters including sluggish flowing canals. Survives dry season by burrowing in bottom mud of lakes, canals

and swamps as long as skin and air-breathing apparatus remain moisand subsists on the stored fat.

Feeds on fish, frogs, snakes, insects, earthworms, tadpoles and crustaceans.

During winter and dry season, its flesh around coelomic cavity isheavily infested by a larval trematode Isoparorchis hypsilobargi.

Diagnosis -Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 38-43; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 23-27. Body sub-cylindrical; head depressed; caudal fin rounded. The dorsal surface and sides is dark and mottled with a combination

of black and ochre, and white on the belly; a large head reminiscent of a snake's head; deeply-gaping, fully toothed mouth; very large scales.

Comments –Occurs throughout the lowlands. More common in areas such as Tissamaharama and Wirawila. Also known from brackish water in the canals leading to Negombolagoon and from the Vadamarachchi lagoon in Jaffna.

Channa striata.

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6. Clarias brachysoma (Gunther, 1864).

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

Common names – Magura, Walking catfish.Max. size - 50.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).Max. published weight - 3,630 g .Environment - Demersal; freshwater.Abundance - Common (usually seen) .Climate – Tropical.Distribution - Asia: endemic to Sri Lanka. Biology - Inhabits rain forest streams and lowland rivers. Feeds at

night on fish, worms, frogs, tadpoles and crustaceans. Comments - Occurs throughout the wet zone lowlands and the

central hill region of the Mahaweli River basin.

7. Etroplus maculatus (Bloch, 1795).(Orange chromide )

Class –Teleostomi.Sub class - Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) .Order - Perciformes (perch-likes).Family - Cichlidae (Cichlids).Subfamily - Etroplinae .Genus – Etroplus.Species - Etroplus maculatus.

Common name – Kaha koraliya.Max. size - 8.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).Environment - Benthopelagic; non-migratory; freshwater; brackish;

pH range: 8.0 - 9.0.Abundance - Common (usually seen).Climate - Tropical; 20 - 25°C.Distribution - Asia: India and Sri Lanka. Biology - Occurs in lagoons and small streams. Enters estuaries.

Often found among marginal roots and weeds in lagoons and some dry zone tanks (now relatively rare in the latter habitat). Feeds on fish fry, zooplankton and algae.

Comments - Found throughout the lowlands, in lagoons, tanks and small streams. Does not usually occur in large rivers. Population in the dry zone tanks is now rare probably due to unsuccessful competition with exotic fishes. Reported to be absent in the Kantalai Tank, which earlier hosted a largepopulation.

Etroplus maculatus Etroplus maculatus

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8. Etroplus suratensis (Bloch, 1790). (Green chromide )

Class – Teleostomi.Sub class - Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).Order – Perciformes (perch-likes).Family - Cichlidae (Cichlids).Subfamily – Etroplinae. Genus – Etroplus.Species - Etroplus suratensis .

Common names – Koraliya, Pearl spot.Max. size - 40.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).Environment - Benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish ; depth

range - 10 m .Abundance - Common (usually seen) .Climate - Tropical; 23 - 26°C; 11°N - 6°S.Distribution - Asia: India and Sri Lanka. Biology –o Occur in brackish and fresh waters and has been observed to

breed in these habitats. o Found in large rivers, reservoirs, lagoons and estuaries. o Feed on filamentous algae, plant material and insects.Comments- Found throughout the lowlands, in large rivers and

almost every reservoir. Abundant in most lagoons and estuaries.

Etroplus suratensis

Etroplus suratensis.

9. Glossogobius giuris (Hamilton, 1822).(Tank goby )

Class – Teleostomi.Sub class - Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).Order - Perciformes (perch-likes).Family - Gobiidae (Gobies). Genus – Glossogobius.Species - Glossogobius giuris.

Common names – Bar eyed goby, Weligouva.Max. size - 50.0 cm SL (male/unsexed).Environment - Demersal; amphidromous; freshwater; brackish;

marine .Abundance - Common (usually seen).Climate - Tropical; 25; 45°N - 32°S.Distribution - Wide Indo-Pacific distribution. Africa to Oceania: Red Sea and East Africa and most inland freshwater bodies over the Indian Ocean and western Pacific. Common in coastal and estuarian waters from austral Africa and Madagascar to India and south of China. Biology: Found mainly in freshwater and estuaries, but also enters the sea. Also occurs in canals, ditches and ponds. Found in clear to turbid streams with rock, gravel or sand bottoms (Ref. 2847). Encountered inmedium to large-sized rivers of the lower Mekong . Feeds on small

insects, crustaceans and small fish. Grows to a much larger size in brackish water than in fresh water. Marketed fresh . Cannibalism is relatively common for this species.

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Diagnosis -•Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; •Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; •Anal spines: 1-1; •Anal soft rays: 8-9. •Head flattened, lower jaw projecting; body pale without longitudinal lines .

•Dorsal fins with small spots forming longitudinal stripes . •Pelvics jointed but attached to the body only from their anterior part. •The body is brownish yellow with 5 to 6 dark and rounded spots on its sides.

•Some specimens living on dark subtrates can be very dark also. •Some living on very light substrates show an ivory coloration. •Dorsal fins are light with brownish spots. •Pelvics are grey. •Pectorals and caudal are grey and often hyaline Glossogobius giuris

Glossogobius giuris10. Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794).

(Stinging catfish).

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

Common names – Hunga, Stinging cat fish.Max. size - 30.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).Environment - Demersal; freshwater; brackish; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0.Abundance - Common (usually seen).Climate - Tropical; 21 - 25°C.Distribution - Asia: Pakistan and Sri Lanka to Myanmar.Biology –*Found mainly in ponds, ditches, swamps and marshes, but sometimes occurs in muddy rivers.

*Can tolerate slightly brackish water. *Omnivorous. *Breeds in confined waters during the monsoon months, but can breed

in ponds, derelict ponds and ditches when sufficient rain-water accumulates.

*In great demand due to its medicinal value.

Heteropneustes fossilis

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11. Hyporhamphus limbatus (Valenciennes, 1847).(Congaturi halfbeak).

Class – Teleostomi.Sub class - Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).Order - Beloniformes (needle fishes) .Family - Hemiramphidae (Halfbeaks). Genus – Hyporhamphus.Species - Hyporhamphus limbatus.

Common names – Marandha, Moralla.Max. size - 25.0 cm SL (male/unsexed).Environment - Pelagic; freshwater; brackish; marine.Climate –Tropical.Distribution –*Indo-west Pacific: from the Persian Gulf to China along the mainland

coast of Asia. Replaced in the East Indies, Borneo, and the *Philippines by H. neglectus and around northern Australia and

southern New Guinea by Hy. neglectissimus. Biology –*Coastal species. Found at surface levels of tidal freshwaters and

brackish estuaries. *Feeds mainly on insects. *Marketed fresh and dried salted.

•Diagnosis -•Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; •Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-16; •Anal spines: 0-0; •Anal soft rays: 13-16. •Greatly prolonged, beak-like lower jaw, equal to, or longer than head length; upper jaw short, triangular and scaly, its width 0.6-0.8 times in its length.

•Preorbital distance 1.3-2.1 times in diameter of orbit and 0.75-1.2 times in length of upper jaw.

•Total number of gill rakers on first gill arch 23-37. •Anal fin rays 13-16; caudal fin emarginate, not strongly forked.

Hyporhamphus limbatus

12. Labeo dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1842).

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

Common names – Common labeo, Hiri kanaya.Max. size - 50.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).Max. published weight - 2,000 g.Environment - Benthopelagic; freshwater .Abundance - Common (usually seen).Climate – Tropical.Distribution -Asia: India and Sri Lanka. Biology -*Inhabits relatively still waters and occurs in deep pools in larger

rivers and in most low-country reservoirs. *Feeds mainly on algae. *Breeding in rivers is highly influenced by monsoon rains. Comments –*Population is reported to be declining probably due to competition

with the introduced fish Oreochromis mossambicus . *Caught with same gear in fishing for Oreochromis mossambicus.

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13. Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepeda, 1800). (Zig-zag eel )

Class – Teleostomi.Sub class - Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).Order - Synbranchiformes (spiny eels).Family - Mastacembelidae (Spiny eels). Genus – Mastacembelus.Species - Mastacembelus armatus.

Common names – Gan theliya, Marbled spiny eel.Max. size - 90.0 cm (male/unsexed).Max. published weight - 500 g.Environment Demersal; freshwater; brackish; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5.Abundance - Common (usually seen).Climate - Tropical; 22 - 28°C; 38°N - 1°N.Distribution - Asia: Pakistan to Viet Nam and Indonesia. Biology –*Usually found in streams and rivers with sand, pebble, or boulder

substrate. *Seldom leaves the bottom except when disturbed. Also occurs in still

waters, both in coastal marshes and dry zone tanks. *Sometimes stays partially buried in fine substrate. *Forages at night on benthic insect larvae, worms and some submerged

plant material .*Common during the summer months. *Marketed fresh and frequently seen in the aquarium trade.

Diagnosis -Dorsal spines (total): 33-40; Dorsal soft rays (total): 67-82; Anal soft rays: 67-83; Vertebrae: 87-98. Body dull brown with 1-3 darker, longitudinal zigzag lines, more or less connected to form a reticulated pattern, more or less distinct and restricted to the dorsal two thirds of the body.

Comments –Widespread throughout the country including the hills up to about 600 m.

Collected from pools at the foot of the Bopath Ella falls. Large fish are utilized as food; smaller ones (up to about 20 cm) are popular in the aquarium trade.

Mastacembelus armatus

14. Mystus keletius (Valenciennes, 1840).

Class – Teleostomi.Sub class - Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).Order - Siluriformes (catfish).Family - Bagridae (Bagrid catfishes).Genus – Mystus.Species - Mystus keletius .

Common names – Path ankutta,Yellow cat fish.Max. size - 18.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).Environment - Demersal; freshwater.Abundance - Fairly common (chances are about 50%).Climate – Tropical.Distribution - Asia: India and Sri Lanka.Biology –

Found in rivers and ponds, commonly in muddy pools and tanks. Usually occurs among marginal vegetation or roots in both still and slow-flowing waters. Feeds on plants, shrimps. insects and detritus.

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15.Mystus vittatus (Bloch, 1794).(Striped dwarf catfish).

Class – Teleostomi.Sub class - Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).Order - Siluriformes (catfish).Family - Bagridae (Bagrid catfishes).Genus – Mystus.Species - Mystus vittatus.

Common names – Iri ankutta, Striped dwarf cat fish.Max. size - 21.0 cm SL (male/unsexed).Environment - Demersal; freshwater; brackish; pH range: 6.0 - 7.5Abundance - Common (usually seen).Climate - Tropical; 22 - 28°C; 38°N - 0°N.Distribution –oAsia: Indian subcontinent, including Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka,Nepal, Bangladesh and probably Myanmar. Reported from Malaysia, Laos , Bhutan , Viet Nam and Cambodia . oMay have been confused with other Mystus. Biology –oInhabits standing and flowing waters. oUsually found among marginal vegetation in lakes and swamps witha mud substrate. oFeeds on plants, shrimps, insects, mollusks and fish

Diagnosis -•Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; •Dorsal soft rays (total): 6-7; •Anal spines: 0-0; •Anal soft rays: 12-13; •Vertebrae: 31-37. •Body elongate and slightly compressed. •Maxillary barbels extending beyond the pelvic fins, often to the end of the anal fin.

•Dorsal spine weak, finely serrated on its inner edge. •Adipose fin small, inserted much behind rayed dorsal fin but anterior to the anal fin.

•Color in life varies with age; generally delicate gray-silvery to shining golden, with several (about 5) pale blue or dark brown to deep black longitudinal on side.

•A narrow dusky spot often present on the shoulder. The fins glass, with dark tips

16. Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch, 1794).(Butter catfish )

Class – Teleostomi.Sub class - Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).Order - Siluriformes (catfish).Family – Siluridae (Sheatfishes).Genus – Ompok.Species - Ompok bimaculatus .

Common names – Butter cat fish, Walapoththa.Max. size - 45.0 cm SL (male/unsexed).Environment - Demersal; freshwater; brackish; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; depth range 0 - 2 m.Abundance - Common (usually seen) .Climate - Tropical; 20 - 26°C.Distribution - Asia: Afghanistan to China, Thailand and Borneo. Endangered status in the Western Ghats, India. Biology –•Occurs in streams and rivers of all sizes with currents ranging from sluggish to moderate .

•Found in quiet, shallow (0.5-1.5 m), often muddy water, in sandy streams, rivers and tanks.

•Also occurs in canals, beels and inundated fields. •Moves into freshly inundated habitats during the flood season . •Feeds on vegetable matter, fish, crustaceans and mollusks . •Sold fresh or smoked on skewers.

Comments –•Occurs in tanks and small streams throughout the lowlands.Diagnosis -•Dorsal soft rays (total): 4-4; •Anal soft rays: 54-74. •Two pairs of barbels; maxillary barbels reahing pelvic fins or anal finsmandibulary barbels minute, about as long as diameter of eye.

•Eyes small, covered by skin. •Dorsal and pelvic fins small; anal fin long; pectoral fins well developed ; vomerime teeth in 2 patches .

•Brown, usually marmorated body with conspiuous round black blotch above pectoral base

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Ompok bimaculatus. 17. Puntius dorsalis (Jerdon,1849). (Long snouted barb).

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

Common names - Katu kureya, Long snout barb.Max. size - 25.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).Environment - Benthopelagic; freshwater .Abundance - Common (usually seen).Climate – Tropical.Biology –oOccur in rivers, streams, ponds and lakes. oUsually found in flowing water, particularly with a pebble substrate. oFeeds on detritus, algae and higher plants . oUseful in guinea worm control.Distribution - Asia: India and Sri Lanka. Comments –oSpecimens over 15 cm long are used for food. oSmaller fish of more colorful varieties are collected for the aquarium

fish trade.

18. Puntius chola (Hamilton, 1822).(Swamp barb).

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

Common name – Kota ipilla.Max. size - 15.0 cm .Environment - Benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5.Climate -Tropical; 20 - 25°C.Distribution –oAsia: Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.oReported from Bhutan. Biology –oInhabits streams, rivers, canals, beels, haors, ponds and inundated fields. oOccurs mainly in shallow water . oFeeds on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter.Comments: oBecoming uncommon in the wet zone, but common in the dry zone.

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19. Puntius filamentosus (Valenciennes,1844). (Blackspot barb)

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

Common names – Filamented barb, Pethiya.Max. size - 18.0 cm TL (male/unsexed).Environment - Benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5.Abundance - Common (usually seen).Climate - Tropical; 20 - 24°C.Distribution - Asia: India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and probably Thailand. Biology –•Occurs in clear streams, lakes and ponds. •Found in a wide variety of still and flowing water.•Enters brackish water. •Feeds on crustaceans, diatoms and filamentous algae. •Lays 500-1,000 eggs around plants in shallow water; eggs hatch in 48 hours and the fry are free-swimming after 2 days.

Comments –•Found mainly in flowing water. •Has been displaced from some well-known former habitats such as the Kandy lake following the introduction of tilapia.

•Small fish are exported for the aquarium trade. •Large fish are caught with gill nets and used for food or as bait.

Puntius filamentosus. 20. Tor khudree (Sykes, 1839).(Deccan mahseer ).

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

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Common names: Leylla, Mahseer. Max. size: 50.0 cm TL (male/unsexed)Max. published weight: 2,740 g .Environment: Benthopelagic; freshwater.Abundance: Common (usually seen).Climate: Tropical; 20 - 30°C.Distribution: Asia: India and Sri Lanka. Biology: •Inhabits cool, fast flowing, rocky streams and rivers. •Occurs in mountain lakes. •Moves to upper reaches of small streams to spawn . •Feeds on plants, insects, shrimps and molluscs. •Can be cultured in ponds and lakes. •Regarded to be of medicinal value. •Known to grow over a meter and 45 kg in weight but have not beenrecorded in recent times

Tor khudree

21. Wallago attu (Bloch & Schneider, 1801).(Wallago ).

Class – Teleostomi.Sub class – Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).Order – Siluriformes (catfish).Family – Siluridae (Sheat fishes).Genus – Wallago.Species - Wallago attu .

Common names: Shark cat fish, Walaya.Max. size: 240 cm TL (male/unsexed).Environment: Demersal; freshwater; brackish.Abundance: Common (usually seen).Climate: Tropical; 22 - 25°C.Distribution: Asia: Pakistan to Viet Nam and Indonesia. Reported from Afghanistan . Lower risk - near threatened status in Western.Biology: •Found in large rivers, lakes and tanks. •A large, voracious and predatory catfish which thrives in heels with grassy margin; mostly hides under holes in river banks and canals .

•Associated with deep, still or slow-flowing water with a mud or silt substrate .

•Sluggish and stays on muddy or silty bottom in search of food. •Juveniles feed mainly on insects; adults feed on smaller fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

•Abundant during the warm season; a premonsoon summer breeder. •In the Mekong, it is reported to migrate to smaller streams, canals and to the floodplain during the flood season.

•When the water level in the Mekong drops and the flood recedes, it moves to the Mekong or larger tributaries, where it stays in deep pools until the next inundation period .

•Destructive to other more valuable food-fishes. •Bites strongly if handled, with its huge mouth, formidable jaws,and band of conical teeth.

Diagnosis: •Dorsal soft rays (total): 5-5; •Anal soft rays: 77-97. •Head broad, snout depressed. •Body elongate, strongly compressed. •Mouth very deeply cleft, its corner reaching far behind eyes. •Teeth in jaws set in wide bands; vomerine teeth in two small patches. •Barbels two pairs; maxillary barbels extending to anterior margin posterior of anal fin, mandibulary barbels to angle of mouth.

•Eyes small, with a free orbital margin. •Dorsal fin small, anal fin very long. •Mandibular barbel longer than pelvic fin; 24-30 gill rakers on the first arch .

•Eye in front of vertical through corner of mouth.

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Wallago attu.Wallago attu.

PREPARED BY,KOLITHA KAMAL (Bs.C. –SP),DEPT. OF FISHRIES BIOLOGY,UNIVERSITY OF RUHUNA,MATARA.