| Bagrichthys | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Bagrichthys hypselopterus | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Bagridae |
| Genus: | Bagrichthys Bleeker, 1857 |
| Type species | |
| Bagrus hypselopterus Bleeker, 1852 | |
| Synonyms | |
Pseudobagrichthys | |
Bagrichthys is a genus of bagrid catfishes.
This genus is most closely related to the genus Bagroides . In turn, these two genera are most closely related to Leiocassis . [1] The genus can be split into two lineages. B. hypselopterus, B. macracanthus, B. majusculus, and B. vaillantii have long dorsal fins with 18 or more serrations in adults, while B. macropterus, B. micranodus, and B. obscurus have short dorsal fins with 15 or fewer serrations in adults. [2] The first lineage is more derived, while the second lineage is more basal. [1]
This genus currently contains seven described species: [3]
Members of this genus are found in Southeast Asia.
Bagrichthys catfishes are highly specialized. [4] Fish of this genus are characterised by their elongate and laterally compressed caudal peduncle, the dorsally-directed serrations on the posterior edge of the dorsal fin spine, gill membranes united at the isthmus, and a long adipose fin without a free posterior margin. [4] These fish can grow between about 20–40 centimetres (8–16 in) in length. [5] [6] [7] [8] The coloration of Bagrichthys species varies from tan to black; however, coloration can vary between individuals based on environmental conditions. [1] These species have a small narrow mouth, moderately elongate convoluted intestines, and greatly reduced oral dentition. [1]
Many of the Bagrichthys species appear rather similar. B. obscurus and B. majusculus were both identified after it was recognized that they were different species from B. macropterus and B. macracanthus, respectively, which these two species had previously been misidentified as. [4] [2]
The male can be distinguished from the female. The male possesses a genital papilla just before the anal fin, while the female does not. Also, in B. majusculus, B. obscurus, and B. vaillantii the nasal and maxillary barbels of males are more than twice as long as barbels of females; this may hold true for the whole genus. [1]
Bagrichthys species live in large muddy rivers throughout Southeast Asia. [4] However, juveniles may be found in smaller streams and flooded forests during the rainy season. [1] The normal habitats of Bagrichthys species are large, slow-flowing rivers, generally acidic(pH 5–6) and with turbid water and a muddy substrate. [1]
Bagrichthys species are reported to feed on small fishes, benthic invertebrates, and large amounts of plant detritus. B. hypselopterus consumes large amounts of silt as it targets chironomid larvae and pupae. B. macropterus may be molluscivorous as their guts have been found to contain large quantities of Rivomarginella gastropod shells. [1]
These species spawn in the beginning of the rainy season and utilize flooded forests along the river edge. Juveniles appear in August. [4] [6] [7]
B. macracanthus, the Black lancer, is the only species of this genus that is traded for the aquarium hobby. [9] When these fish are first imported, they are often young and in bad condition. It has been recommended to acclimate these fish at a high temperature (about 29 °C or 85 °F). [10] Though nocturnal, this species may be trained to eat in the light; it may even be trained to feed from the owner's hand. These fish tend to be territorial among their own kinds though this behavior can be reduced by placing a male with multiple females. This species is quite adaptable with pH and DH and will thrive as long as extremes are avoided. [9]
The stream catfishes comprise the family Akysidae of catfishes.
The Ariidae or ariid catfish are a family of catfish that mainly live in marine waters with many freshwater and brackish water species. They are found worldwide in tropical to warm temperate zones. The family includes about 143 species.
Akysis is the largest genus of catfishes of the family Akysidae.
Brachyplatystoma is a genus of catfish from the family Pimelodidae. As the occasionally used common name goliath catfishes indicates, this genus includes some of the largest species of catfish, including the piraíba, B. filamentosum, which reaches up to the region of 3.6 metres (12 ft) in length. Brachyplatystoma are found in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, and other tropical freshwater and brackish habitats in South America. Some species are migratory. These fish are important as food fish and, to some extent, aquarium fish.
Hemibagrus wyckioides, the Asian redtail catfish, is a species of catfish of the family Bagridae.
Hemibagrus wyckii is a species of catfish of the family Bagridae. It is occasionally called the crystal-eyed catfish or black devil catfish.
Batasio is a genus of catfish of the family Bagridae. These small fish are found in fast-flowing hillstreams throughout South and mainland Southeast Asia.
Hemibagrus is a genus of catfishes of the family Bagridae.
Hyalobagrus is a genus of bagrid catfishes found in Southeast Asia.
Mystus is a genus of fish in the family Bagridae native to Asia. Phylogenetic relationships within this genus are poorly understood, though it has been suggested that there are two major lineages.
Leiocassis is a genus of bagrid catfishes found mostly in Southeast Asia with some species occurring in China.
Pseudobagrus is a genus of bagrid catfishes that inhabit streams and rivers throughout East Asia. About half of these species occur in China.
Pseudomystus is a genus of catfishes of the family Bagridae.
Parakysis is a genus of catfishes of the family Akysidae. It includes six species.
The black lancer is a species of bagrid catfish found in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and Thailand. It grows to a length of 25.0 cm.
Bagrichthys majusculus is one of seven species of bagrid catfish in the genus Bagrichthys. It is endemic to Thailand.
Bagrichthys vaillantii is one of species of bagrid catfish in the genus Bagrichthys. This fish is endemic to Indonesia where it is found in the Mahakam River basin in eastern Borneo.
Nanobagrus nebulosus is a species of bagrid catfish endemic to Malaysia where it is found in the Endau and Sedili River drainages in the southeastern Malay Peninsula. It grows to a length of 3.5 cm and has a brown body with three rows of cream-colored spots that are found above, along, and below the lateral line.
Rita macracanthus is a species of bagrid catfish found in the Indus River drainage. It has been recorded from Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. It grows to a length of 26.3 cm.
Microsynodontis armatus is a species of upside-down catfish endemic to Gabon where it occurs in the Ivindo River. It was first described in 2004 by Ng Heok Hee.