| The species was collected from a stream bed dominated by mud sediments; sand occurs as discrete patches within the mud dominant deposits; depth and width of the area are 0.3-0.7 m and 6.0-7.0 m, respectively; the bank height is 2.0-3.0 m above the water level during summer. This area is also covered by dense to moderate riparian vegetation; intermittent occurrence of low riparian vegetation observed at certain places. Major flora includes Ochreinauclea missionis, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Bambusa bambos, B. vulgaris. etc. Associated fish species in the region are the following Haludaria fasciata, Labeo rohita, L. dussumieri, Osteobrama bakeri, Amblypharyngodon microlepis, Rasbora dandia, Dawkinsia filamentosa, Puntius parrah, P. nelsoni, P. viridis, Pethia ticto, Hypselobarbus kurali, Devario malabaricus, Tor khudree, Horabagrus brachysoma, Mystus keralai, Mystus indicus, Wallago attu, Macrognathus albus. It is an economically important catfish in inland capture and culture fisheries. In central Travancore these fishes are caught by gill nets, cast nets, traps and hooks and are sold in large quantities in live condition. Sometimes transported to distant markets, sold alive after several days due to having the air breathing apparatus. Valued as food fish due to its palatability and nutritional quality, and also used as an ornamental fish and found in the aquarium trade (Ref. 132393). |
