Stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis)

Scientific name: Heteropneustes fossilis Bloch, 1794

The Stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis) is a freshwater fish of the family Heteropneustidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 21–25°C (70–77°F). Native range: Asia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to Myanmar.

Stinging catfish care at a glance

Temperature: 21–25°C (70–77°F)

Biology

Found mainly in ponds, ditches, swamps and marshes, but sometimes occurs in muddy rivers. Can tolerate slightly brackish water. Omnivorous. Breed in confined waters during the monsoon months, but can breed in ponds, derelict ponds and ditches when sufficient rain-water accumulates. Oviparous, distinct pairing possibly like other members of the same family. In great demand due to its medicinal value.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Heteropneustes fossilis
Family: Heteropneustidae (Airsac catfishes)
Order: Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 30.0
Environment: Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: ? - 30 demersal
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Asia: Pakistan and Sri Lanka to Myanmar.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Traumatogenic
Uses: Fisheries: highly commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.23; tm=1; Fec=4,200)