| Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Smiliogastrinae |
| 5 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
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benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 8; dH range: 5 - 19 |
| Asia: Kelani to Nilwala basins, Sri Lanka. The more colorful varieties are possibly being overfished for the aquarium trade. |
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| 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, dipterans and animal matter. About 200 eggs are scattered among marginal plants. Young hatch in 1-2 days and are free-swimming after 48 hours. Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm (Ref. 51539). |
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Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 07 August 2019 (B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v)) Ref. (130435)
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| harmless |
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Found only in the low-country wet zone up to elevations of about 300 m, from the Kelani to the Nilwala basins. Common but the more colorful varities are possibly overfished. Pollution of streams and deforestation probably pose bigger threats. Also Ref. 4832. |
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