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Systomus laticeps Plamoottil, 2016 Travancore Systomus |
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photo by
Plamoottil, M. |
| Family: | Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Smiliogastrinae | |||
| Max. size: | 13 cm SL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | benthopelagic; freshwater | |||
| Distribution: | Asia: Kerala, India. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Systomus laticeps is distinguished from all its congeners in having the following characters: elongated, round and wide body; small and wide head; hyaline fins; a prominent hump present on the post occipital region, convex post dorsal region, exceptionally soft and flexible operculum and body scales, a distinct thin median fontanel on the dorsal surface of head in between eyes and occiput; lateral line indistinct in the anterior and posterior regions; it is convex above anal fin origin; inter-radial membrane of anal fin fleshy, thick and prominent; and 27 lateral line scales and 9 predorsal scales (Ref. 112401).. | |||
| Biology: | Inhabits a small freshwater stream, formed by the confluence of certain branches of rivers flowing through the low level regions of Pathanamthitta District. This water body is 30- 37 m wide and <1 to 2 m deep during summer season and is blanketed by mud dominant sediments. This area has been covered by more or less dense riparian vegetation. Co-occurs with the following fish species: Puntius mahecola, Dawkinsia filamentosa, Haludaria fasciata, Rasbora dandia, Heteropneusteus fossilis, Clarias dussumeiri, Wallago attu, and Ompok malabaricus (Ref. 112401). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||