A new species of cyprinid freshwater fish named Puntius Dolichopterus has been discovered in Kayamkulam, Kerela by Mathews Plamoottil. Mathew is a head of the department of zoology in Baby John Memorial Government College of Kollam district.
Facts about Puntius Dolichopterus
- Named after two Greek words ‘dolikhos’ meaning elongated and ‘pteron’ meaning wing or fin.
- Family: Cyprinidae.
- It has elongated pectoral fin and shorter dorsal fin.
- It also has unusually elongated dorsal spine which is rigid, strong and long and has longer head.
- It has lesser number of lateral line scales and pre-dorsal scales.
- Its body is silvery, pectoral and anal fin greenish yellow and dorsal fin is light orange red.
- Its ventral fin yellow while the caudal fin dusky and an inconspicuous dusky spot present on scales.
- found in small and shallow water channels.
- It is edible and can be utilised as ornamental fish.
