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Pachypterus atherinoides (Bloch 1794)

Image contributors to this species:

Johnny Jensen's Photographic Library (2) Mostafa Hossain (2) Beta Mahatvaraj (3) Cheilinus Aquarium Photography (1) Arnob Bora (1) Muntasir Akash (1) Mahbubur Rahman Sampod (1)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Tilak (1964) synonymised this genus under Pseudeutropius and proposed transfer of Pseudeutropius from Schilbidae to Bagridae. Mo (1991) confirmed Tilak's findings and in the light of his revision of the Bagridae including Neotropius in it. Two species previously described under Pseudeutropius have also been placed under this genus. The current status is valid as Pachypterus atherinoides and placed in the Horabagridae family. Listed in Fishbase as still in the Schilbeidae family but in Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes the current status is the family Horabagridae. Habitat: Inhabits freshwater and tidal rivers so does tolerate some brackish conditions. Colouration: Silvery greenish along the back with three or four bands along sides formed by black spots. A black spot on occiput and another at base of dorsal fin. Description: Body with three or four bands along the sides formed by black spots. Pectoral fins long, extending beyond pelvic fins. Anal fin with 33 to 41 rays. Reproduction: Oviparous, eggs are unguarded. Etymology: Genus name: Pachys, thick; pterus, fin, allusion not explained, perhaps referring to “considerably more lengthened” tail and/or long anal fin [often referred to as Neotropius Kulkarni 1952, a junior synonym]. Specific name: –oides, having the form of: silversides (Atherinidae: Atherina), probably referring to silvery stripe on sides.

Common Name:

Indian potasi

Synonyms:

Pseudeutropius atherinoides, Silurus atherinoides, Neotropius atherinoides

Family:

Horabagridae

Distribution:

Asia: South central Asia: Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan. Type Locality: Tranquebar.

Size:

11.5cm. (4¾ins)

Temp:

18-28°C (63-83°F)

p.H.

6.5-7.5.

IUCN Red List

Although there is no information on the population and its trends for Neotropius (Pachypterus) atherinoides, it is still relatively abundant throughout the Indian subcontinent. Despite the lack of understanding concerning potential threats to this species, it is assessed as Least Concern given its abundance. However, the taxonomy of this species is uncertain and what is now identified as P. atherinoides may consist of more than one species. Should this be the case, it will be necessary to reassess this species. (needs updating IUCN 2010).

Reference:

Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2014. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, ( 08/2014 ).
Jayaram. K.C. 2006, Catfishes of India. Narendera Publishing House. 383p.
Ng, H.H. 2010. Neotropius atherinoides. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010.
The ETYFish Project Fish Name Etymology Database © Christopher Scharpf.

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

Pachypterus atherinoides

Pachypterus atherinoides

Pachypterus atherinoides
Susong Durgapur, Netrokona, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Pachypterus atherinoides
Bangladesh

Pachypterus atherinoides

Pachypterus atherinoides

Pachypterus atherinoides
Collected from Ganges River in last monsoon. August 23, 2023

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