Laubuka hema Sudasinghe, Pethiyagoda & Meegaskumbura, 2020
Gal oya blue laubuka
photo by Hiranya Sudasinghe

Family:  Danionidae (Danios), subfamily: Danioninae
Max. size:  5.55 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Asia: Sri Lanka.
Diagnosis:  This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: a danionine notch formed by a strong anterior curvature of dentary; branched pelvic-fin rays 6; lateral line complete, perforated scales 33-35; circumpeduncular scales 12-14; predorsal scales 18-21; branched anal-fin rays usually 18 1/2 - 20 1/2 (rarely 17 1/2 or 22 1/2); scales in transverse line 1/2 6 - 1/2 7 + 1 + 2 1/2; branched dorsal-fin rays modally 8 1/2 (rarely 7 1/2 or 9 1/2) ; cleithral spot small, rounded, its greatest dimension less than eye diameter; lower jaw with dense neuromast fields; a rudimentary maxillary barbel present; and no distinct vertical bands in body (Ref. 127713).
Biology:  Occurs mainly from the headwaters of the Gal basin in the Kotagama and Nilgala areas (194-294 m asl), with a single specimen collected from the headwaters of Hepola stream in Bibile, which drains to the Mahaweli River. Observed in streams and rivers, usually in groups of 5-10 individuals, close to the banks and occupying the upper level of the water column. Cyprinids commonly encountered with this species were Rasbora dandia, R. cf. microcephalus, Devario malabaricus, Dawkinsia singhala, Puntius bimaculatus, and P. dorsalis
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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