Kingdom Animalia Order Cypriniformes Genus Systomus Higher classification Puntius | Phylum Chordata Family Cyprinidae Scientific name Puntius asoka Rank Species | |
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Similar Puntius, Dawkinsia srilankensis, Pethia bandula, Cyprinidae, Barred danio | ||
Systomus asoka (Asoka barb) is a species of cyprinid endemic to Sri Lanka where it is found in the upper reaches of the Sitawaka River and its tributaries, and Kelani near Kitulgala. This fish can reach a length of 17 centimetres (6.7 in) TL.
Biology
Systomus asoka inhabit relatively deep (1–2 m), fast-flowing water in areas with gravel or sand substrates. Juveniles ( 1–3 cm TL) shoal together in schools of 30–100 individuals in very shallow water (5–25 cm) downstream whereas adults occupy deeper water (1–2m) upstream. They usually occupy unshaded areas. They are fast swimmers and are not easily identified from water surface. This species can be found in freshwater which has 6.5–7.5 pH range and 25–30°C temperature.
References
Systomus asoka Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA