Balitoridae

Western Ghat loach

Bhavania australis

An endangered rock clinger of the Western Ghats

• Tropical
• Regional distribution
• Freshwater fish
• South Asia
• Small
• Tropical fish

Bhavania australis, also known as the Western Ghats loach, is a species of hillstream loach endemic to the Western Ghats in southern Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, India. While it is considered least concern by the IUCN Red List, research shows it to be endangered due to habitat destruction, pollution and dynamite fishing. It is usually dark on the dorsal surface, with black spots irregularly distributed on the body.