Yellow Batasio

This species is distinguished from its congeners in having the following characters: slender body (BDD 16.0-18.0 % SL); the body and fins are yellowish; dorsal profile nearly straight; with a single median longitudinal groove on head; occipital process very small and hidden under skin; adipose dorsal fin with a straight margin for entire length and inserted behind a considerable distance from rayed dorsal fin; flat head (HD 53.0-57.1 % SL) and orbits widely set (IOW 27.0-31.3 % HL) (Ref. 104688).

Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Analspines: 4; Analsoft rays: 9 - 10

Inhabits the river stretch of Manimala River at Paduthode where it occurs generally on sand or sandy gravel bottom with occasional presence of bed rock or black clays. The width and depth of this area are 45.0-125.0 m and 0.3-6 m, respectively; bank height is 4.0-5.0 m above general water level in summer season; blanketed by moderate to dense riparian vegetation with intermittent occurrence of low riparian vegetation noticed at certain places. This species is unique for it requires spotless and clear water and is intolerant to the accumulation of organic wastes and other contaminants, thus regular monitoring of the water quality is essential for the protection and preservation of this rare species (Ref. 104688).