Dawkinsia denisonii

(Day, 1865)

Vernacular names
English : Red line torpedo barb
French : Barbus crayon

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Cypriniformes
Family : Cyprinidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow up to 50 cm in length. Unmistakable species. Elongated torpedo-shaped body. Thick black longitudinal line on flanks with bright red line from eye to mid-body. Red dorsal fin. Tail show bright yellow and black spots.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to India and occurs in the western Ghats area, in the provinces of Karnataka and Kerala. Lives in rivers and streams, often with overhanging vegetation near banks.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a very small range and has been collected illegally and at unsustainable levels for years, resulting in dramatic global decline.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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