Genetic diversity of Sri Lanka’s ‘spa fish’ highlights need for informed conservation

[UngulateNerd92]

• An endemic freshwater fish species known as the “stone sucker” (Garra ceylonensis) has six genetically different populations spread in different river basins in Sri Lanka despite managing to sport similar looks, a new study shows.
• The research estimates that the ancestor of G. ceylonensis first colonized Sri Lanka around 3 million to 4 million years ago via rivers on the land bridge between India and Sri Lanka and that subsequent climatic events trapped them on the island, causing the fish to evolve as a distinct species along with genetic variances.
• The study highlights the need for innovative efforts in conserving genetically distinct populations, going beyond a mere species-level focus to conserve Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity.
• G. ceylonensis, also known as the “doctor fish,” is part of a popular group of fishes used in the foot spa industry to nibble off dead skin, driving an increase in wild collections for the aquarium trade.

Sri Lanka’s fast-flowing freshwater streams are home to a variety of beautiful fish, which, as a rule, swiftly swim away if you dip your feet into the water. But not so the welcoming “stone suckers” (Garra ceylonensis), renowned for their use in “fish spas,” where they nibble away at the dead skin cells of visitors’ feet.

https://news-mongabay-com.cdn.amppr...ighlights-need-for-informed-conservation/amp/