Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton, 1822)

[I]—Mrigal

Taxonomy. Original description: Cyprinus mrigala Hamilton, 1822: 279, 386, pl. 6, fig. 79 [Gangetic provinces, India; no types known].— Afghanistan synonyms: None.—Revisions: Roberts (1997: 177) as synonym of C. cirrhosus .—Illustration: Hamilton (1822: pl. 6, fig. 79) as Cyprinus mrigala .

Status in Afghanistan. This species is found in aquaculture facilities but not recorded from wild ecosystems in Afghanistan (Currie 2006; Coad 2014).—Afghanistan materials: None.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Afghanistan: Kept in aquaculture facilities.—General distribution: South Asia: India; introduced elsewhere.—Habitat: This species inhabits rivers and tanks. It breeds during the southwest monsoon in shallow pockets in marginal areas and in bunds. It is a detritus feeder with a narrow range of food variety. It is a bottom feeder, subsisting mainly on decaying vegetation. Freshwater.

Economic importance. Commercially important.

Reasons of introduction. Fisheries: enhancement of wild stocks and sports fishing.

Conservation. Not relevant (introduced species).