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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: dwarf barb

Synonyms and Other Names: Barbus gelius (Hamilton, 1822), Puntius gelius (Hamilton, 1822); golden barb, golden dwarf barb

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Distinguishing characteristics and key were given in Talwar and Jhingran (1991); Pethiyagoda et al. (2012) reassigned this species from Puntius to Pethia, and provided a key to genera related to Puntius. Photographs appeared in Sterba (1973).

Size: 5.1 cm (Rahman 1989)

Native Range: Asia. India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh (Talwar and Jhingran 1991); Nepal and Myanmar (museum specimens).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Probable escape from fish farm.

Status: Failed in Florida.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: This species is common in the ornamental fish trade.

There are no known voucher specimens.

References: (click for full references)

Courtenay, W.R., Jr., and D.A. Hensley. 1979. Survey of introduced non-native fishes. Phase I Report. Introduced exotic fishes in North America: status 1979. Report Submitted to National Fishery Research Laboratory, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gainesville, FL.

Courtenay, W.R., Jr., H.F. Sahlman, W.W. Miley II, and D.J. Herrema. 1974. Exotic fishes in fresh and brackish waters of Florida. Biological Conservation 6(4):292-302.

Pethiyagoda, R., M. Meegaskumbura, and K. Maduwage. 2012. A synopsis of the South Asians fishes referred to Puntius (Pisces: Cyprinidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters 23(1):69-95.

Rahman, A.K.A. 1989. Freshwater fishes of Bangladesh. Zoological Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Sterba, G. 1973. Freshwater fishes of the world. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc, Neptune City, NJ.

Talwar, P.K., and A.G. Jhingran. 1991. Inland fishes of India and adjacent countries. AA Balkema, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Other Resources:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Risk Screening Summary for Pethia gelius

Author: Leo Nico, and Matt Neilson

Peer Review Date: 4/15/2013

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.