Hemibagrus wyckioides
Species of fish
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hemibagrus wyckioides, the Asian redtail catfish, is a species of catfish (order Siluriformes) of the family Bagridae.
| Asian redtail catfish | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Division: | Teleostei |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Bagridae |
| Genus: | Hemibagrus |
| Species: | H. wyckioides |
| Binomial name | |
| Hemibagrus wyckioides (P. W. Fang & Chaux, 1949) | |
| Synonyms | |
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Distribution
These catfish originate from the Mekong basin, and are reported from Chao Phraya, Mae Klong, and peninsular Thailand river systems.[2] There is also an introduced population in Malaysia.[3]
Appearance and anatomy
Hemibagrus wyckioides reaches a length of 130 centimetres (51 inches) TL.[2] This species is the largest Bagrid catfish in Asia, and may reach 80 kilograms (180 lb).[4] The caudal fin is white when the fish is small, but it becomes bright red when it reaches about 15 cm (6 in).[2]
Hemibagrus wyckii bears a resemblance to H. wyckioides, however, H. wyckioides lacks serrations on the dorsal fin spine, has a shorter dorsal fin base, and shorter maxillary barbels.[4]
Ecology
Hemibagrus wyckioides occurs in large upland rivers, and is common in areas with rocky bottoms and irregular depths.[2][4] These fish do not migrate, but they reproduce locally and enter the flooded forest during high water in July–October.[4] H. wyckiodies feed on insects, prawns, fish, and crabs.[4]
Relationship to humans
This fish is marketed fresh as a food fish.[2] Hemibagrus are aquacultured in Asian countries.[5]
Hemibagrus wyckioides and Hemibagrus wyckii are the two members of this genus imported as aquarium fish.[5] This species will rearrange decorations in the aquarium.[6] These fish are not picky, and will eat a variety of fish foods.[6] This species is sometimes claimed to be the most aggressive freshwater fish in the world, and should be left alone.[7]