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Amblyceps laticeps (McClelland, 1842)

Image contributors to this species:

Beta Mahatvaraj (1) Nilanjan Mukherjee (1) Abhisek Mishra (1)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Description: Vertebrae: 41 - 43. Differs from all Indochinese species of Amblyceps in having a narrow head (9.5-11.1% SL versus 13.1-21.2) with a strongly projecting lower jaw (versus non- or weakly-projecting, except in A. platycephalus), and a very slender, elongate body (body depth at anus 7.6-11.1% SL versus 11.2-16.9 except in A. caecutiens) with 41-43 (versus 34-41) vertebrae. Colouration: Olive brown body with lighter below. Habitat: It is found in river beds with huge boulder outcrops at the base of hills. Etymology: The specific name of laticeps means "wide or broad head" although the description mentions A. laticeps as having a narrow head in relation to other species in this genus. Remarks: The penultimate thumbnail specimen shown was collected by the image contributor at Rydak I near Shipra, Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal.

Common Name:

None

Synonyms:

Olyra laticeps

Family:

Amblycipitidae

Distribution:

Asia: India, Assam, Khasi hills. Type locality: Kasyah mountains, India.

Size:

4.5cm (1¾ins)

Temp:

18-22°C (63-71°F)

p.H.

6.5-7.5.

IUCN Red List

The population size and trend for Amblyceps laticeps remain unknown, as this species is only known from scanty museum records. There is also very little information on the biology of this species and potential impacts of threats (especially those of an anthropogenic nature). Although Menon (2004) regarded this species as endangered, that assessment was based on incomplete information about its distribution, which was believed to be more circumscribed than is currently understood. However, the species distribution in India and Bangladesh is estimated to be around 40,000 km2, which makes the species Least Concern until further information is made available on all the above mentioned aspects, but needs updating (IUCN 2010).

Reference:

Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2009. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version (04/2010).
Jayaram. K.C. 2006, Catfishes of India. Narendera Publishing House. 383p.
Ng, H.H. and M. Kottelat 2000 A review of the genus Amblyceps (Osteichthyes: Amblycipitidae) in Indochina, with descriptions of five new species. Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwat. 11(4):335-348.
Ng, H.H. 2010. Amblyceps laticeps. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010.

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

Amblyceps laticeps

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