Pethia cumingii (Günther, 1868)
Two spot barb
Pethia cumingii
photo by Ramani Shirantha

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Smiliogastrinae
Max. size:  5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 5.5 - 6.5; dH range: 15
Distribution:  Asia: endemic to Sri Lanka. Occurs mainly at the south western wet zone, from the Kelani to the Gin basins. Range extends north of the Kelani, into the swamps around Gampaha (Attanagalu Oya) and northwards. Introduced into the Perdeniya Gardens in the Mahaweli basin and is well established between Gampola and Ginigathena (Sri Lanka).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Yellow finned variety usually occurs in flowing water and stays close to the substrate (sand to boulders). Red finned variety inhabits slow flowing waters of marshes in the Kelani Valley foothills, associated with mud or silt bottoms. Forms medium sized shoals. Matures at 3 cm and spawns during rainy season (Ref. 6468). Feeds on green algae, plankton and detritus (Ref. 6469). Population with strongly bifurcate caudal fin from introduced Mahaweli stock (Ref. 6470).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 07 May 2020 (B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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