Monograph &; Revision of the Indian Cyprinid Fishes of the Genus Garra : Taxonomy of Indian Cyprinid Sucker Fish Garra

The enigmatic genus Garra (Hamilton, 1822) was represented by 39 species from India. To date, 14 species of Garra have been reported in southern Western Ghats of India. 25 species of Garra have been reported to occur across north and northeastern India. Among the Indian fresh-water fishes few have greater interest in the study of evolution than those belonging to the genus Garra. Great confusion has prevailed in the taxonomy of this genus, partly because many of the species exhibit considerable individual variability, and partly because ichthyologists have attempted to apply to them specific standards unsuitable for forms apparently still in the process of adaptation to their environment. This book deals with establishing a baseline understanding the species of the genus Garra in streams/rivers of India. An identification key is presented for all species of Garra. A brief description including diagnostic characters is provided for each species. Results obtained from this study is to provide easily-used identification keys to the species of Garra of India in order to encourage species level identifications by other ichthyologists.