Batasio Travancoria

Datasheet

General Description

Native to southwestern India, the Batasio Travancoria, also known as the Malabar Batasio, is a member of the Bagridae family. This species is characterized by a laterally-compressed body shape, large sensory pores on the head, and a narrow mental region. With a maximum size of 10.0cm, these fish are distinguishable by their darkish midlateral stripe and post-opercular spot.

Aquarium Setup

To maintain Batasio Travancoria, an aquarium setup resembling a flowing river is recommended. Utilize variably-sized rocks, gravel, and large water-worn boulders for the substrate. Additional decor like driftwood branches, roots, and tough aquatic plants such as Microsorum, Bolbitis, or Anubias spp. can be added. Clean water, high oxygen levels, and water movement are essential, requiring canister filters and powerheads. Water changes of 30-50% per week should be conducted. The ideal water conditions include a pH range of 6.0-7.0, hardness of 36-215ppm, and a temperature between 18-25°C.

Behaviour

The Malabar Batasio is not highly competitive and should be housed with peaceful, schooling cyprinids, characids, or livebearers. It should not be placed with significantly larger or aggressive fish. Suitable tank mates include catfishes from genera like Erithistes and Hara, balitorid loaches, and select families like Cobitidae. Research on tank mates is crucial due to potential aggression or growth issues.

Feeding and Diet

In their natural habitat, Malabar Batasio primarily feeds on small aquatic crustaceans, worms, insect larvae, and zooplankton. In captivity, their diet should consist of small live or frozen foods such as chironomid larvae, Tubifex, Artemia, and mosquito larvae. While they may adapt to prepared sinking foods over time, newly imported specimens could initially reject them.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Successful breeding of Malabar Batasio has been reported with other genus members. Spawning can be induced by large, cool water changes once the fish show signs of readiness. The scattered eggs typically hatch after about two days. Sexual dimorphism in this species is unclear, but males in related species may have a visible elongate genital papilla anterior to the anal fin.

Habitat and Distribution

Found in headwater streams and upper reaches of smaller rivers in southwestern India, Malabar Batasio prefers shallow, fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters with substrates of rocks, sand, and gravel. They inhabit areas with riparian vegetation, submerged leaf litter, but lack significant aquatic plant presence. This species is endemic to southern Kerala and specific drainages like Chittar and Kallada.