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| Puntius euspilurus
Plamoottil, 2016
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Abstract
Puntius euspilurus, a new fish species of the family Cyprinidae, is described from Wayanad of Kerala, India. It is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: body elongated, rounded and slender, barbels feeble and never reach orbit or nostrils; last simple dorsal fin ray feebly osseous and flexible, 23- 24 lateral line scales, 2½ scales between lateral line and ventral fin and elongated pectoral fin which reaches to ventral fin.
Keywords: Western Ghats, Taxonomy, Mananthavady River, Puntius nigronotus
Distribution: Currently known to occur only at its type locality in Kerala, India.
Etymology: The specific epithet ‘euspilurus’ is a Greek word, (eu- well; spilos- blot; urus- tail), referring to distinct black basal spot on caudal fin.
CONCLUSION:
Puntius euspilurus is an edible freshwater fish residing in the water bodies of Wayanad. It may be a unique fish showing similarity with [Puntius] mahecola barbs. Elongated body with feebly osseous\ last simple dorsal ray separates this fish from other fishes of the family. It prefers rapidly flowing shallow and clear waters. According to local fishermen it appears in great numbers in paddy fields during the onset of southwest monsoon. The new species is said to occur only in unpolluted areas. Protection of water bodies is inevitable for the survival of the new species.
Mathews Plamoottil. 2016. Puntius euspilurus, A New Fish Species (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Kerala, India. International Journal of Research Studies in Biosciences (IJRSB). 4(9); 1-6. DOI: 10.20431/2349-0365.0409001 https://www.arcjournals.org/pdfs/ijrsb/v4-i9/1.pdf
