Common Names

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Anabantiformes

Family: Osphronemidae

Genus: Belontia

Species: Belontia signata (Günther, 1861)

Climate Zone

Location

• Asia: common in the south west quarter and mid-hill region of the Mahaweli basin, including the lower hills up to about 800 m. Found throughout Kelani and Kalu River basins, Sri Lanka.

Biology

Facultative air-breathing (Ref. 126274); Inhabits usually slow-flowing, shallow, clear water streams, usually with a pebble or sand substrate. Territorial, usually solitary, juveniles form small schools of 3-5 individuals. Feeds on terrestrial insects and detritus.

Habitat

benthopelagic

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Threat to Humans

Harmless