Horabagrus nigricollaris
Pethiyagoda & Kottelat, 1994
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he first factsheet of 2007 centers on a relatively new member of
the Bagridae family and to me one of the most secretive, the "Black
Collared Catfish", Horabagrus nigricollaris.
I have kept plenty of catfish that like to hide
away for weeks and even months on end and this species certainly
fits in with the latter. It is kept in the fishhouse so maybe
you may see it more in a tank situated in your living room.
There are only two species in this genus,
the other being Horabagrus brachysoma,
and the only difference between the two is colouration with H.
brachysoma having a yellowish body colour (see below).
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Horabagrus brachysoma similar apart from colouration.
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The Horabagrus genus has had a checkered history with
H. brachysoma named in 1864 by Günther as Pseudobagrus
brachysoma and placed in the Bagridae family. In 1955, Day,
while studying this family, created a new genus Horabagrus
and placed this only species (at that time) into it. In 1964,
Tilak in studying the osteology and weberian apparatus of the
Schilbidae family doubted the inclusion of Horabagrus
in the Bagridae family.
Mo (1991) then suggested that this genus should be placed in the
Schilbidae family and a few authors have actually taken this as
they feel that there are a few similarities that place them in
this family. At the moment we at ScotCat have it in Bagridae but
I am sure that in the future there will be more work done on this
genus and a final destination for these two species.
As bagrids go this is quite a pretty species and along with its
near cousin, H. brachsoma, should make an interesting
addition to your catfish collection.
D. 1, 5; P. 1,8; V. i, 5; A. iii, 23-26; C. 8+9=17.
Median longitudinal groove on head in a single oval fontanel anteriorly
narrow not extending posteriorly beyond orbit. Occipital process
distinct, extending to basal bone of dorsal fin. Four pairs of barbels;
maxillary extending well beyond base of pectoral fin, nasals almost
to base of occipital process, outer mandibular to base of pectoral
fin, inner pair much shorter not reaching pectoral fin base. Branchiostegal
rays 10. Rayed dorsal fin inserted above anterior half of pectoral
fin, spine sharp, with 12-16 serrations along the posterior margin.
Adipose dorsal fin short, well separated from caudal fin. Pectoral
fin not reaching pelvics, spine with 9 to 11 serrations along outer
edge and 13-17 along inner edge. Pelvic fin reaching anal fin origin.
Anal fin long not reaching caudal fin base. Least height of caudal
peduncle 1.0 in its length. Caudal fin forked, lobes rounded and
sub-equal.
Head and body grey/brown, darker dorsally. Belly white. A black
saddle shaped band edged in white extends from the humeral region
of each side over the back. Caudal fin light yellow edged in black.
Caudal base black. Pectoral and ventral fins light grey. Dorsal
hyaline, dark at base. Anal and caudal fin edged in black.
Will do well in a larger community tank with other bagrids such
as Pseudomystus
siamensis but will be predatory on smaller fishes so house
with larger barbs and Characins such as Congo Tetra's.
Not reported.
| Sexual
differences |
Not reported.
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| Feeding |
Will feed mostly at darkness but if plenty of cover is provided
they will dart out and feed quickly. Worm and tablet foods will
all be taken greedingly.
| Glossary
of Terms |
Occipital process:
A median bone
on the upper surface of the back of the head; pertaining to
the occiput.
Branchiostegal: Slender bones which support
the gill membranes.
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| Etymology |
Horabagrus:
Taken from Mr. S.L.Hora, director of Zoological
Survey of India + Greek, pagros = a fish, Dentex sp.
nigricollaris: Black collar.
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| References |
Jayaram; K.C., Catfishes of India, Narendera
Publishing House 2006, p 144-145.
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| Photo
Credits |
Top picture: Chris
Ralph.
Bottom picture: 
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India, Kerala,
Chalakudy River, 26 km upstream of Chalakudy town, near Vettilappara.
