Taxonomy & naming
Katwate, Knight, Anoop, Raghavan & Dahanukar described the species in 2020 from the Sita River in Karnataka. Dawkinsia, erected for a group of Indian and Sri Lankan barbs, contains the striped and blotched Western Ghats species, and several have been described in recent years from molecular and morphological work.
Morphology
Dawkinsia are medium-sized, often colourful barbs with a streamlined body and characteristic dark markings. Size and colour details of this species have not been published.
Habitat
It is known from the Sita River drainage on the western slope of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, at about 230 ft elevation at the type locality. Water parameters have not been published.
Feeding
Dawkinsia are generally omnivores that take insects, plant matter and algae. The diet of this species has not been described specifically.
Mating
Mating behaviour has not been described.
Breeding
Captive breeding has not been documented.
In the aquarium
Treat it as an active stream barb: a roomy tank, a group, good flow and a lid, with a mix of small live foods and vegetable matter. Care notes come from the genus.
Conservation
The species was described in 2020 and has no IUCN assessment, so no Red List category is given. Population status and threats have not been described.