| Heteropneustes | |
|---|---|
| Heteropneustes fossilis | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Heteropneustidae |
| Genus: | Heteropneustes Müller, 1840 |
| Type species | |
| Silurus fossilis Bloch, 1794 |
|
| Species | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Saccobranchus |
|
Heteropneustes is a genus of catfishes (order Siluriformes) of the family Clariidae.[1] It includes two species, H. fossilis and H. kemratensis.[1] The species H. microps has been synonymized with H. fossilis.[1] The validity of the name H. longipectoralis for a possible third species is unknown.[1]
H. fossilis is widely distributed in South Asia.[1] H. kemratensis originates from the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Tapi River basins.[1]
Their body is elongate and compressed with a greatly depressed head. They have a long air sac that serves as a lung that extends from the gill chamber. The dorsal fin is short and has no spine. The pectoral fins have an associated venom gland and is considered dangerous.[2] Unlike most other clariids, Heteropneustes species do not have the labyrinth organ that is characteristic of the family.[3]
H. fossilis is found mainly in ponds, ditches, swamps and marshes, but sometimes occurs in muddy rivers. It can tolerate slightly brackish water. It is omnivorous. This species breeds in confined waters during the monsoon months, but can breed in ponds, derelict ponds, and ditches when sufficient rain-water accumulates. It is in great demand due to its medicinal value.[4]
Both species are oviparous; distinct pairing is possible.[4][5]