HYPSELOBARBUS PROCERUS, A NEW CYPRINID FISH SPECIES FROM KERALA, INDIA

Hypselobarbus procerus, a new cyprinid fish, is described from Bhavani River at Attappady hills in Kerala, India. It is a congener species of Hypselobarbus jerdoni and H. carnaticus of south Indian water bodies. It can be set apart from its relative species in having a silvery, deeper body, osseous, very strong last simple dorsal fin ray, 30- 32 lateral line scales, 7-8 branched pelvic rays and long anal fin with five branched rays reaching to caudal fin base. Hypselobarbus procerus is an edible fish. The new specie is described, scientifically named, taxonomically analyzed and compared with its congeners.