Rare record of Monopterus desilvai (in Sinhala:Duburu potta aadha)

Monopterus  desilvai 

Monopterus desilvai (in sinhala Dumburu potta aadha) is very rare species that is endemic to Sri lanka. This Species has been accurately identified And only one or two times before. However we were able to observe this species several times and take pictures and also collect a specimen on 03/05/2011.

The first record of this specimen was in 1976 in the Marawila region of Sri lanka, latitude 7’ 24.5”N, 79’ 59.45” E, about 53 km north of Colombo.

The region in which we observed this species was in the Bolgoda south lake area about 30km south to Colombo. Here we were able to observe 2 individuals. The habitat in which we observed m. desilvai could be described as an abandoned paddy field through which flows water which is slightly brackish and with a depth of 6 cm.The stream where we observed m. desilvai although could be described as being clear the stream’s bottom was muddy.

location

              The reddish brown body of Monopterus Desilvai has black irregular blotches all over the body. The specimen we observed has white marble like patches as well.

full length of specimen 02

The upper jaw of the fish is slightly elongated like a snout.

The head and trunk region lack fins and scales. However the caudle end has very small scales. The eyes being very small appear as 2 black dots. A pair of nostrils is located in front of the eyes.

        The single operculum is arch & lies ventrally & is anteriorly convex. The width of the operculum is similar to the diameter of the fish. Ventral muscles are arranged in the V shaped bundles.

Behavior: Prefer to lie on the muddy bottom while holding its head and anterior region close to the water surface. Perhaps this is why they prefers shallow bodies 

of water.M. desilvai also has the ability to breath air as well.

specimen 01 collected on 11/02/2011

specimen 02 collected on 03/05/2011

                                                                 Specimen 1     Specimen 2(white marble)

Total length                                                                22cm             24cm

Length of Anterior region(snout to anus)                 15.5cm          17.8cm

Snout to operculum                                                    1.8cm            2cm

Anus to anterior margin of the scaly region             1.5cm            1.8cm

To make a more detailed study of this species we expect to receive some solid support from all of you.