Nemacheilus rueppelli
Introduction '''''Nemacheilus ruppelli''''', also known as the '''mongoose loach''' is a species of fish in the genus ''Nemacheilus''. This fish is endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Recent evidence shows that there is only a marginal raw mitochondrial genetic distance between ''Nemachilichthys shimogensis'' and ''N. ruppelli''. Although morphometric difference occur at the population level, Keskar ''et al.'' conclude that there are no significant differences separating the two species. Therefore they treat ''N. shimogensis'' as a synonym of ''N. ruppelli''. The Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes follows this treatment.Nevertheless, ''Nemachilichthys shimogensis'' is listed as a separate species by the IUCN and Fishbase to this day.
Distribution ''N. ruppelli'' is presently reported from the Krishna river system in the Western Ghats, India. Specimen where found in the following rivers: Thunga, Mula-Mutha, Krishna river, Indrayani, Hiranyakeshi, Nira river and Koyna.
Habitat ''N. ruppelli'' lives in moderate to fast-flowing rivers, usually on the bed. ''N. ruppelli'' prefers mud, small rocks, silt and pebbles. It frequently occurs in association with submerged roots of riparian plants and aquatic vegetation.
References