Description:
Rayed dorsal fin inserted above posterier half of
pectoral fin, origin nearer adipose than to end of
snout, spine strong and smooth. Adipose dorsal fin
base equal to that of dorsal. Pectoral fin not reaching
pelvic fin, spine strong, serrated with 11 antrose
teeth along inner margin and with retrorse teeth along
outer margin. Habitat: Glyptothorax
trewavasae is endemic to the Western Ghats of
India (Dahanukar et al. 2004). It is known from Maharashtra
and Karnataka. In Maharashtra it is known from Koyna
valley and Yenna (Venna) valley (Hora 1938) and Koyna
river near Patan (Jadhav et al. 2011). In Karnataka
it is known from Shimoga (Hora 1938) and Kigga falls
on Tunga river (Arunachalam 2000). This species is
also expected to be present in the hill streams of
areas between the known localities. The expected extent
of occurrence (EOO) of this species will be around
40000 km2, however, as the species is restricted to
hill streams with rapid water flow and is habitat
specific, the area of occupancy of the fish may be
hardly 2000 km2 (5% of EOO). Colouration:
Uniform light gray with pectoral, dorsal, adipose
and caudal bases dark. Some portions of certain rays
of dorsal, anal and pelvics black, distal portion
of caudal fin dark tipped with lighter colour.Inhabits mountain rapids. Etymology:
The specific name trewavasae: In honour of
British ichthyologist Ethelwynn Trewavas (1900–1993),
British Museum of Natural History, who helped Hora
distinguish some of the fishes described in his paper
based on specimens at the British Museum.
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
None
Family:
Sisoridae
Distribution:
Asia:
Krishna river system in Western Ghats, India. Type
locality: Yenna Valley, Satara dist., Maharashtra,
India.
Size:
12.0cm. (4¾ins)
Temp:
18-24°c (63-75°f.)
p.H.
6.0-7.0.
IUCN
Red List
Even
though the expected EOO of Glyptothorax trewavasae
is large the species is assessed as Vulnerable
because of its restricted area of occupancy and its
presence in only five locations. The species is also
very rare. Furthermore, deforestation, siltation and
organic pollution can change the specific habitat requirement
and are major threats to the species,
but needs updating, (IUCN 2011).
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