Fish Database

ලෙව්කේ පෙතියා

Sri Lankan Filament Barb

Dawkinsia srilankensis (Puntius srilankensis)

The Sri Lankan Filament Barb is a freshwater fish endemic to Sri Lanka, found mainly in the clear streams and rivers of the island’s wet zone. It is known for the elongated filament-like extensions that develop on the dorsal fin of mature males, giving the species its distinctive appearance. This active schooling fish prefers flowing, well-oxygenated waters with rocky bottoms and aquatic vegetation. It feeds on algae, plant material, small insects, and other tiny aquatic organisms. As a species found only in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Filament Barb is an important part of the country’s unique freshwater biodiversity and represents the ecological value of Sri Lanka’s river ecosystems.