Latin name

Notopterus notopterus

Other name

Asian knifefish, ghost knifefish.

Identification

It is currently the only member of the genus Notopterus. Notopterus: from the Ancient Greek νῶτον (nôton), meaning ‘back’, and πτερόν (pterón), meaning ‘wing, feather’, in reference to the small, quill-like dorsal fin. 

Bronze featherbacks have a "humpback" appearance, very small scales and the ability to breathe atmospheric air. They have a relatively straight head profile with the upper jaw reaching to the pupil or back of the eye. The head has larger scales than the body.

Features of fish fins

This species has an elongated anal fin that merges into a caudal fin.

Fish colouring

Adults have a uniform brown colouration. Juveniles have a dark bronze colouration that becomes lighter with age and several dark vertical stripes on the body.

Distribution

Bronze featherbacks are found throughout the Indian subcontinent and South and Southeast Asia, with extensive records in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Habitat

It inhabits the lower reaches of rivers and tributaries, swamps, floodplains of rivers and lakes, including some artificial dams, to which it seems well adapted. It is mainly a freshwater species but has been known to enter brackish water.

Size

Этот вид рыб достигает длины до 60 см (24 дюймов).

Behavior

Bronze featherbacks can move both forwards and backwards. They are active at dusk and at night. During the rainy season they move from rivers to flooded areas, and during the dry season they return to main waterways or other permanent water bodies.

Food and feeding habits

It is usually a nocturnal predator that feeds on small fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates.

Reproduction

Reproduction occurs during the rainy season by external fertilisation, the eggs being deposited on underwater vegetation which the male guards until hatching.

Fishing

The bronze featherback is a commercially important fish in South and Southeast Asia.

Relationship with a person

This species is easy to keep in an aquarium. It is a popular food fish and is featured on the postage stamp of the Kingdom of Laos.