How to Identify Salween Garra

To identify Salween Garra (Garra salweenica), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Generally brownish to grayish dorsally, fading to a lighter ventral surface. May exhibit subtle darker blotches or a lateral stripe depending on the individual and specific locality. Fins are typically translucent or slightly dusky.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Well-developed oral disc on the ventral side of the head, used for adhesion to rocks., A pair of rostral barbels and a pair of maxillary barbels., Tuberculate snout in mature males, especially during breeding season.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, typically with 8-9 branched rays. Origin usually anterior to the pelvic fin origin.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are horizontally oriented and often broad, aiding in maintaining position in strong currents.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are also horizontally oriented and contribute to adhesion.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Oral Disc

   Look for the prominent, suctorial oral disc on the underside of the head, characteristic of the genus Garra.

2. 2

   Barbels

   Observe the presence of two pairs of barbels (rostral and maxillary).

3. 3

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Note the elongated body and brownish-gray coloration, often with subtle markings. The overall appearance is adapted for benthic life in flowing water.

4. 4

   Fin Placement

   The dorsal fin origin is typically anterior to the pelvic fin origin, a key diagnostic feature within some Garra species.

Explore Salween Garra