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Heteropneustes microps (Günther, 1864)

Image contributors to this species:

Sridhar Sivasubbu (1)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Can be differentiated from Heteropneustes fossilis by not having a notch between the anal and caudal fin while microps is closed at this point. Habitat: Adults occur mainly in swamps and similar still, often turbid waters (e.g. irrigation ditches). Form loose schools of about ten individuals of approximately the same size. Enter brackish water. Can survive temperatures up to 39.8°C. Very easily maintained in captivity. Sympatric with H. fossilis which is more abundant in the type locality. Best method of catch is dewatering of small water holes during drought period. Diet: An omnivore with nocturnal feeding habits. Reproduction: Oviparous, distinct pairing possibly like other members of the same family. According to the IUCN Red List this species ic classed as vulnerable. Remarks: The current status from Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes is that Heteropneustes microps is now a synonym of Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch 1794).

Common Name:

Small Asian Stinging catfish

Synonyms:

Saccobranchus microps

Family:

Clariidae

Distribution:

Asia: Known to be endemic to Sri Lanka but recorded from India.

Size:

20.0cm. (8ins)

Temp:

22-26�C (71-79�F)

p.H.

6.0-8.0.

Reference:

Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2009. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version (11/2009).
Pethiyagoda, R., 1991. Freshwater fishes of Sri Lanka. The Wildlife Heritage Trust of Sri Lanka, Colombo. 362 p.

Family: Clariidae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails

Heteropneustes microps
From Tirunelveli Tamil Nadu, India. A female from Tamiraparani River (south of India)

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