Black Lined Barb / Side Striped Barb (Puntius pleurotania)
Black Lined Barb a.k.a. Side Striped Barb and called "Hithamassa" in native Sinhala language, is an endemic freshwater fish in Sri Lanka. Grows to about 10 cm in length and
occasionally found upto 15 cm specimens.
Often found in small groups, the Black Lined Barb (Side Striped Barb) lives in clean freshwater streams under the shade of trees. The diet consists of algae, insects, worms and decayed material. Classified as Vunerable due to declining populations.
Many freshwater streams that provide habitat for the Black Lined Barb are under private ownership and in danger of being destroyed or significantly damaged due to human activities. By purchasing privately held forest land in the area bordering these streams and permanently designating them as conservation forests, Rainforest Protectors Trust aims to save the Black Lined Barb from going extinct.
Often found in small groups, the Black Lined Barb (Side Striped Barb) lives in clean freshwater streams under the shade of trees. The diet consists of algae, insects, worms and decayed material. Classified as Vunerable due to declining populations.
Many freshwater streams that provide habitat for the Black Lined Barb are under private ownership and in danger of being destroyed or significantly damaged due to human activities. By purchasing privately held forest land in the area bordering these streams and permanently designating them as conservation forests, Rainforest Protectors Trust aims to save the Black Lined Barb from going extinct.
