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= Dawkinsia apsara = Dawkinsia apsara is a species of freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae. It is native to the Western Ghats region of India, where it is found in the streams and rivers that flow through the dense forests of the region.

 Etymology 

The species epithet ‘apsara’ is derived from the Sanskrit word “अप्सराः”, pronounced as “ap-sar/ā-”, which refers to the most beautiful celestial nymphs in Hindu mythology. The name was inspired by the sensational life colours of the species. It was first described by Radhakrishnan, Dahanukar, and Pethiyagoda in 2011.

Habitat and ecology
Dawkinsia apsara is a fish species that can be found in streams and large pools in a river channel with sluggish water current and specific substrate conditions. It coexists with other cyprinid species, including D. flamentosa, at its type locality. In recent years, the species has faced habitat loss and degradation due to human activities. Conservation efforts are needed to protect the species and its habitat.

Description and Coloration
It is a small fish, reaching a maximum length of 7.5 cm. They have a slender body and are usually silver in color with a blue tinge. There is also a black spot on their dorsal fin. It is omnivore and feed on a variety of small aquatic organisms such as insects, crustaceans, and algae.

As far the coloration, the adult specimens in formalin display a pale brownish color on their backs, while their snout, head, dorsum, and lower lip are white. The infraorbital and opercular region are covered with a broad kadige blotch, while the lower head, chest, and abdomen are uniform in pale color. The iris is white, and each body scale has sparsely arranged melanophores at the base. Males that have reached maturity exhibit a deep blue iridescence on their opercular bones, cheeks, and along the sides of their bodies.