Belontia signata (Günther, 1861)
Ceylonese combtail
Belontia signata
photo by Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy/B. Alenda

Family:  Osphronemidae (Gouramies), subfamily: Belontiinae
Max. size:  18 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; depth range 0 - 1 m
Distribution:  Asia: common in the south west quarter and mid-hill region of the Mahaweli basin, including the lower hills up to about 800 m. Found throughout Kelani and Kalu River basins, Sri Lanka.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Inhabits usually slow-flowing, shallow, clear water streams, usually with a pebble or sand substrate. Territorial, usually solitary, juveniles form small schools of 3-5 individuals. Feeds on terrestrial insects and detritus.
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 05 August 2019 (B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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