Description:
Can be differentiated from Heteropneustes
fossilis by
not having a notch between the anal and caudal fin
while microps is closed at this point. Habitat:
Adults occur mainly in swamps and similar still, often
turbid waters (e.g. irrigation ditches). Form loose
schools of about ten individuals of approximately
the same size. Enter brackish water. Can survive temperatures
up to 39.8°C. Very easily maintained in captivity.
Sympatric with H. fossilis which is more
abundant in the type locality. Best method of catch
is dewatering of small water holes during drought
period. Reproduction: Oviparous,
distinct pairing possibly like other members of the
same family. According to the IUCN Red List this species
ic classed as vulnerable. Diet: An
omnivore with nocturnal feeding habits. Remarks:
The current status from Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes
is that Heteropneustes microps is now a synonym
of Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch 1794).
Common
Name:
Small Asian Stinging catfish
Synonyms:
Saccobranchus microps
Family:
Clariidae
Distribution:
Asia:
Known to be endemic to Sri Lanka but recorded from
India.
Size:
20.0cm. (8ins)
Temp:
22-26°C (71-79°F)
p.H.
6.0-8.0.
Reference:
Froese, R. and D. Pauly.
Editors. 2009. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic
publication. www.fishbase.org, version (11/2009). Pethiyagoda, R., 1991. Freshwater
fishes of Sri Lanka. The Wildlife Heritage Trust of
Sri Lanka, Colombo. 362 p.
Heteropneustes
microps
From Tirunelveli Tamil Nadu, India. A female from Tamiraparani
River (south of India)
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