Family: |
Sisoridae (Sisorid catfishes), subfamily: Sisorinae |
Max. size: |
3.32 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
Environment: |
demersal; freshwater; pH range: 8 - 8 |
Distribution: |
Asia: Nepal. |
Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 5-5; Vertebrae: 29-30. Distinguished from congeners in having larger nostrils (the length of the narial complex 77-90% of interorbital width vs. 42-75). Both E. ascita and E. cavatura differ from E. montana and E. pipri in having a longer caudal peduncle (19.3-22.5% SL vs. 14.4-17.3%). Both species differ further from E. montana in having a more slender body (8.6-10.5% SL vs. 10.6-11.4) and E. sicula by the absence (vs. presence) of a slight median depression on the lower lip margin. E. cavatura can be further distinguished from E. ascita in having a larger eye (17.7-20.9% HL vs. 13.2-17.6), the presence of rounded (vs. elongate and flattened plaque-like) tubercles on the head and body, and the serrations on the anterior edge of the pectoral spine more anteriorly (vs. sideways) directed and diverging at the middle (vs. distal quarter, 6-11 proximalmost serrations proximally directed vs. 12-17 (Ref. 55978). |
Biology: |
Occurs in shallow (approximately 10-20 cm) gravel and pebble riffles of streams and rivers with predominantly sandy bottoms, in moderate to fast current (Ref. 55978). Found in clear to turbid waters (Ref. 55978). |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 21 December 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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