Dawkinsia filamentosa
Dawkinsia filamentosa (Valenciennes, 1844)
Blackspot barb
Dawkinsia filamentosa
photo by Raghavan, P.R.

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Smiliogastrinae
Max. size:  18 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish; pH range: 6 - 6.5; dH range: 15
Distribution:  Asia: India
Diagnosis:  Adults differ from all other South Asian Puntius by a combination of the following characters: branched dorsal-fin rays prolonged into filament-like extensions in adult males only; a black band about as wide as the eye near tip of each caudal-fin lobe; lower lip continuous; a caudal blotch on 2-5 scales, commencing posterior to anal-fin origin; no distinct markings on body in advance of anal-fin origin. Distinguished from P. assimilis by possessing a subterminal mouth (vs. Inferior); maxillary barbels shorter, 0.5-2.2 of SL % (vs. 5.5-9.3%); post-orbital head length 11.0-12.1% of SL (vs. 8.7-10.4%); and interorbital width 11.2-12.2% of SL (vs. 10.0-11.1%) (Ref. 55036). Description: Pectoral fin with one simple and 14 or 15 branched rays. Lateral line with 18,19 0r 20 scales on body, extending 1-3 scales on to caudal-fin base (Ref. 55036).
Biology:  Adults occur in clear streams, lakes and ponds (Ref. 41236). They inhabit lowland rivers and also estuaries, reservoirs and marshes (Ref. 55036). Migratory behaviour is undetermined (Ref. 126106).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 27 June 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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