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Hemibagrus wyckioides Fang & Chaux, 1949

Image contributors to this species:

Johnny Jensen's Photographic Library (1) Chris Ralph (1) Nick Froud (2) Jean-Francois Helias (7) Zhou Hang (1)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Habitat: In its natural habitat H. wyckioides is found at irregular depths usually over rocky substrates in large upland rivers. Reproduction: It is documented that this catfish reproduces in its local environment and enters the flooded forest during the high water season which is usually between July and October. Aquarium Care: As with all large species of catfish (or any other fish for that matter) good water quality and general aquarium husbandry are paramount to the successful keeping of this fish. Water changes should be performed at least weekly to maintain good water quality. This catfish prefers good water movement which can usually be provided by using adequately sized external and or internal power filtration. Finally it is described as being the largest bagrid in Asia reaching weights of up to 80kg!. Diet: It is a predator feeding upon a diet that includes prawns, insects, fish and crabs in its natural habitat. Etymology: The genus name Hemibagrus: Hemi- half; bagrus- from 'bagre', a South American name for a catfish, but is only used for African and Asian species. The specific name wyckioides: –oides, having the form of: referring to close resemblance to Mystus (Hemibagrus) wyckii. Remarks: Only for the more experienced catfish enthusiast.

Common Name:

Asian Red Tailed Catfish

Synonyms:

Macrones wickioides, Macrones wyckioides, Mystus wyckioides, Mystus wyckoides

Family:

Bagridae

Distribution:

Asia: Cambodia, Thailand, river systems, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo and Java. Mekong, Chao Phraya and Xe Bangfai basins

Size:

950mm or 38” SL (although 1300mm TL is suggested)

Temp:

19-29°C (65-85°F)

p.H.

6.0-8.2 (although pH 6-7.6 seems to be preferable)

IUCN Red List

This fish is an adaptive species and it is widely distributed throughout its range; no major threats have been recorded till now, even if overfishing could be a potential threat. Harvest trends research is needed, however it is considered Least Concern, but does need updating (IUCN 2012).

Reference:

Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2009. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version (11/2009).
ScotCat Factsheet no. 100. October 2004.
The ETYFish Project Fish Name Etymology Database © Christopher Scharpf.
Vidthayanon, C. 2012. Hemibagrus wyckioides. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012.

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

Hemibagrus wyckioides
Adult

Hemibagrus wyckioides
Sub-Adult

Hemibagrus wyckioides
Caught in the Mekong River in Laos

Hemibagrus wyckioides
Caught by Fisherman in the Mekong River in Laos

Hemibagrus wyckioides
35 kg Head close up

Hemibagrus wyckioides
Close up of head

Hemibagrus wyckioides
Juvenile

Hemibagrus wyckioides
Catcher; J-F Helias, 35 kg, Oct.5th 2005

Hemibagrus wyckioides
35 kg, Oct.5th 2005

Hemibagrus wyckioides

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