Edit Bhavania australis
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Name
Scientific name
Bhavania australis
Described by
Authority Jerdon, Year 1849, Bracketed
Family
Balitoridae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 11 credited
Summary
Bhavania australis is a balitorid loach endemic to the Western Ghats mountains of southern India, recorded from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karn…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
100mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement High: fast-flowing river or riffle
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 16–24°C, pH 6–7.5
Hardness
2–12dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
India, Achankovil, Aliyar, Bharatapuzha, Bhavani, Chalakudy, Chaliyar, Chandragiri, Chinkannipuzha, Chittar, Kallar, Kaveri, Kothayar, Muvattapuzha, Pamba, Periyar, Tambraparni, Uruttipuzha
Writing
Etymology
Bhavania: named for the Bhavani River, Tamil Nadu state, India. australis: from the Latin australis, meaning 'southern', in reference to this species' natural …
Distribution
Endemic to the Western Ghats mountains in southern India with records existing from the states of Kerala (Chalakudy/Chalakkudy, Periyar, Muvattapuzha, Achankov…
Habitat
An obligate dweller of shallow, fast-flowing, highly-oxygenated headwaters and minor tributaries characterised by stretches of riffles and runs broken up by po…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base measurements of 120 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent should prove sufficient.
Maintenance
Most importantly the water must be clean and well-oxygenated so we suggest the use of an over-sized filter as a minimum requirement. Turnover should ideally be…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Bhavania spp. are specialised grazers feeding on biofilm, benthic crustaceans, insect larvae and other invertebrates. In captivity some sinking dried foods may…
Behaviour and compatibility
Not an aggressive fish although its particular requirements limit the choice of suitable tankmates. Species inhabiting similar environments include Barilius, G…
Sexual dimorphism
Not written yet
Reproduction
Not written yet
Notes
This species is very rarely seen in the international aquarium trade but is maintained by a number of Indian aquarists. Like all balitorids Bhavania spp. posse…
References
References
3 on this profile