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Mysore hillstream loach (Balitora mysorensis) — Balitoridae

Mysore hillstream loach

Balitora mysorensis
Family: Balitoridae

The Mysore hillstream loach (Balitora mysorensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Balitoridae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: India

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Description

The Mysore hillstream loach is a hillstream loach (Balitoridae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of southern India. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, flattened body with broad pectoral and pelvic fins with which it presses to stones against the current, and small barbels. As a bottom-dweller it lives among gravel and rocks of oxygen-rich streams and rasps algae and biofilm and snaps at insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Mysore hillstream loach?

The Mysore hillstream loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Mysore hillstream loach live?

The Mysore hillstream loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: India

How big does the Mysore hillstream loach get?

The Mysore hillstream loach grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Mysore hillstream loach dangerous to humans?

No, the Mysore hillstream loach is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Mysore hillstream loach sourced
Scientific name
Balitora mysorensis
Family
Balitoridae
Other names
Slender stone loach sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Asia: India sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Balitora

More from the family Balitoridae

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