| Heterobranchus bidorsalis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Clariidae |
| Genus: | Heterobranchus |
| Species: | H. bidorsalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Heterobranchus bidorsalis St. Hilaire, 1809 |
|
Heterobranchus bidorsalis is a catfish found in Africa. The common name of the catfish is African clariid catfish. It is closely related to the Vundu, which is well-known among fishermen.
The head of Heterobranchus bidorsalis is shaped like an oval and has a rectangular dorsum. The snout is round and the eyes are lateral. The frontal fontanelle is long and narrow while the occipital fontanelle is relatively long and is shaped like an oval. The postorbital bones are completely united. The suprabranchial organ is well developed. The pectoral spine is smooth. The body and fins may have spots.[1] It can reach a length of 150 cm. The maximum recorded weight for this species is 30.0 kg. The species has 40-46 dorsal (in the back) soft rays, 49-58 anal soft rays, and 62-63 vertebrate. The human use for this species is fisheries. This catfish has not been evaluated on the IUCN Red List. The species is harmless to humans.[2] In a study, the catfish was shown to be tolerant to acute levels of agrolyser (a brand of fertilizer).[3] Artificial spawning was induced in females by single intramuscular hormone injections of carp pituitary suspensions. An 82% survival rate of the larvae was achieved.[4] A high concentration of anthracene in the liver can kill the catfish.[5] Smoke-dried fish samples incubated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) for 7 days showed fungal infestation.[6] The catfish can be found in the British Museum.[7]
This catfish lives in demersal freshwater.[2] The temperature of its habitat has to be 22.0-28.0°C or 71.6-82.4°.[1] It can be found in the Nile River, Niger River, and the Gambia River which are all in Africa.[2]