Hypselobarbus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hypselobarbus |
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| Hypselobarbus mussullah | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cypriniformes |
| Family: | Cyprinidae |
| Genus: | Hypselobarbus Bleeker, 1860 |
| Type species | |
| Barbus musullah Sykes, 1839
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Hypselobarbus is a special group of freshwater fish that live only in India. These fish belong to the family called Cyprinidae, which includes many types of carp and minnows. They are often called "barbs" and are known for living in rivers and streams across different parts of India.
Contents
What are Hypselobarbus Fish Like?
Hypselobarbus fish are typically medium to large-sized freshwater fish. They have a strong, torpedo-shaped body that helps them swim quickly in rivers. Many species have a silvery or golden color, and some might have unique markings.
Where Do They Live?
These fish are found in various rivers and streams throughout India. They prefer clear, flowing water with rocky or sandy bottoms. Their natural homes include the Western Ghats region, which is a mountain range known for its rich biodiversity.
What Do They Eat?
Hypselobarbus fish are generally omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet often includes small insects, algae, and tiny aquatic plants. They play an important role in their ecosystem by helping to keep the water clean and controlling insect populations.
Why Are They Important?
Many Hypselobarbus species are important for the health of their river ecosystems. Some are also a source of food for local communities. Sadly, several species in this group are considered endangered. This means their populations are shrinking, often due to habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. Protecting their homes and ensuring sustainable fishing practices are crucial for their survival.
Different Kinds of Hypselobarbus Fish
Scientists have identified many different species within the Hypselobarbus group. Each species has its own unique features and preferred habitat. Here are the 26 recognized species:
- Hypselobarbus basavarajai Arunachalam, Chinnaraja & Mayden, 2016
- Hypselobarbus bicolor Knight, A. Rai, D'souza, Philip & Dahanukar, 2016
- Hypselobarbus canarensis (Jerdon, 1849)
- Hypselobarbus carnaticus (Carnatic carp) (Jerdon, 1849)
- Hypselobarbus curmuca (Curmuca barb) (F. Hamilton, 1807)
- Hypselobarbus dobsoni (Krishna carp) (F. Day, 1876)
- Hypselobarbus dubius (Nilgiris barb) (F. Day, 1867)
- Hypselobarbus gracilis (Jerdon, 1849)
- Hypselobarbus jerdoni (Jerdon's carp) (F. Day, 1870)
- Hypselobarbus keralaensis Arunachalam, Chinnaraja & Mayden, 2016
- Hypselobarbus kolus (Sykes, 1839)
- Hypselobarbus kurali Menon & Rema Devi, 1995
- Hypselobarbus kushavali Arunachalam, Chinnaraja, Sivakumar & Mayden, 2016
- Hypselobarbus lithopidos (F. Day, 1874)
- Hypselobarbus maciveri (Annandale, 1919)
- Hypselobarbus menoni Arunachalam, Chinnaraja, Chandran & Mayden, 2014
- Hypselobarbus micropogon (Korhi barb) (Valenciennes, 1842)
- Hypselobarbus mussullah (Sykes, 1839)
- Hypselobarbus nasutus Arunachalam, Chinnaraja & Mayden, 2016
- Hypselobarbus nilgiriensis Arunachalam, Chinnaraja & Mayden, 2016
- Hypselobarbus nitidus Plamoottil & Vineeth, 2022 (Kerala Beauty)
- Hypselobarbus periyarensis (B. S. Raj, 1941)
- Hypselobarbus pseudomussullah Arunachalam, Chinnaraja & Mayden, 2016
- Hypselobarbus pulchellus (F. Day, 1870)
- Hypselobarbus tamiraparaniei Arunachalam, Chinnaraja, Chandran & Mayden, 2014
- Hypselobarbus thomassi (F. Day, 1874)
- Hypselobarbus vaigaiensis Arunachalam, Chinnaraja, Chandran & Mayden, 2014
