[2][3] Its stocks have declined in recent decades, and in 1996 it was assessed to be in need of conservation to ensure it stays plentiful.

[1] Some authors have recently proved that the diversity of Ichthyofauna of the Southwest Ichthyological zone streams of Sri Lanka has a great significance in the sense of biodiversity (Senanayeke, 1980; Wikramanayake, 1990; Pethiyagoda, 1991).

[clarification needed] Last Osseous spine of dorsal moderately thick, strongly serrate, with a flexible smooth tip.

Head 3.6-4, eye 2.1-2.75, interorbit 1, depth of body 2-2.5, pectoral 4, ventral 4, caudal 2.9-3.2 in entire length (Daraniyagala, 1952).

Schut, De silva and Kortmulder (1984) discuss the habitat associations of this species.

Puntius cumingii has been introduced into the Mahaweli at Ginigathena, where the river bed comprises boulders and gravel, and has established a population there (Wikramanayake, 1990) They occupy the lower half of the water column.

Puntius cumingii is usually active in flowing water and stays close to the substrate, and It is a hardy fish which is usually found in medium-sized shoals (Pethiyagoda 1991).

Sutherland, W.J., (1997); A Handbook of Ecological Census Techniques, Cambridge University press, United Kingdom.

Pethiyagoda, R., (1991); Fresh water fishes of Sri Lanka; WHT publications, Colombo.