Latin name

Heteropneustes fossilis

Other name

Fossil cat

Identification

The Asian stinging catfish has an elongated, slightly compressed body that writhes like a snake when swimming. Its small head has small eyes and four pairs of antennae.

Features of fish fins

The fins are rounded except for the anal fin, which extends from the middle of the belly to the caudal fin but does not merge with it. The pectoral fin rays have spines with poisonous glands.

Fish colouring

The Asian stinging catfish comes in a variety of colors. It can be brown, gray, or almost black.

Distribution

They are widespread in South and Southeast Asia: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. They have also been introduced to the Tigris River basin in western Iran.

Habitat

Tropical, freshwater, demersal species

pH range: 6.0–8.0

dH range: ?–30

Depth range: ?–1 m

They mainly inhabit ponds, ditches, and swamps but are sometimes found in murky rivers. They can tolerate slightly brackish water.

Size

The maximum length of the male is 41.2 cm. The maximum published weight is 400 grams.

Behavior

The Asian stinging catfish is a facultative air breather.

Food and feeding habits

Asian stinging catfish are omnivorous.

Reproduction

This species reproduces in closed bodies of water during the monsoon season. However, they can also reproduce in ponds, abandoned bodies of water, and ditches when there is enough accumulated rainwater. Like other members of the same family, they mate and lay eggs in different ways. The eggs are laid in a depression dug by both parents in the mud of shallow water. The parents guard the eggs and offspring for about a month until they can fend for themselves.

Fishing

They play an important role in the local commercial fishing industry.

Relationship with a person

This catfish can inflict a painful bite on humans. The venom secreted by a gland on its dorsal fin is known to cause severe pain.

Catfish are also farmed and used in the aquarium trade.

They are in high demand due to their supposed medicinal value.