Melon barb
📖 Overview
Melon barb (Haludaria fasciata) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cyprinidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. With a trophic level of 2.9, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Melon barb is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Melon barb is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Melon barb is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Melon barb is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5; dH range: 5 - ?; potamodromous . Tropical; 22°C - 26°C endemic to southern India.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Melon barb is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Melon barb is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Melon barb has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Ember Barb · Melon Barb |
| 🌍CES | parmička příčnopruhá |
| 🌍MAL | Vazhakka Varayan |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Полосатый барбус |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cirrhinus fasciatus | Jerdon | 1849 | Synonym |
| Dravidia fasciata | Jerdon | 1849 | Synonym |
| Puntius fasciatus | Jerdon | 1849 | Synonym |
| Puntius fasciatus fasciatus | Jerdon | 1849 | Synonym |
| Puntius fasciatus pradhani | Tilak | 1973 | Synonym |
| Puntius grayi | Day | 1867 | Synonym |
| Puntius melanampyx pradhani | Tilak | 1973 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 7 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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