All FishesHETEROPNEUSTIDAEHeteropneustes  |  | 

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Scientific NameHeteropneustes fossilis    (Bloch, 1794)
Common NamesFossil Catfish
Gællesæk-ålemalle (Denmark), Liver Catfish, Scorpion Catfish, Stinging Catfish
Type LocalityTranquebar [Tharangambadi], India.
Type Locality NotesType locality inferred from modern location of Tharangambadi, India.
Synonym(s)Heteropneustes microps, Saccobranchus fossilis, Saccobranchus microcephalus, Saccobranchus microps, Saccobranchus singio, Silurus biserratus, Silurus fossilis, Silurus laticeps, Silurus singio
EtymologyHeteropneustes: From the Greek heteros, meaning other and pneo, meaning to breathe; in reference to the ability of the fish to utilize atmospheric oxygen. 
Hop to next section Species Information
Size300mm or 11.8" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
SexingIn dorsal or ventral view especially, females are much broader in the body than males of equal age and rearing practices.

In dorsal or ventral view especially, females are much broader in the body than males of equal age and rearing practices.
Hop to next section Habitat Information
Distribution
Indian waters (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Thailand Waters (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Myanmar Waters (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category
Least Concern
, a distribution map is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2019.
pH6.0 - 8.0
Temperature21.0-25.0°C or 69.8-77°F (Show species within this range)
Other ParametersHardness up to 30 °dGH with good filtration made necessary by this fishes voracious appetite. Generally an undemanding, hardy species.
Hop to next section Husbandry Information
Breeding ReportsThere is no breeding report.
Hop to next section Further Information
ReferenceNaturgeschichte der ausländischen Fische v. 8, pp 46, Pl. 370 (fig. 2).
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There are 8 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
Hop to next section More Resources
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Look up PlanetCatfish.comLook up H. fossilis on PlanetCatfish.com
Look up on FishbaseLook up H. fossilis on Fishbase
Look up on Encyclopedia of LifeLook up H. fossilis on Encyclopedia of Life
Look up on Global Biodiversity Information FacilityLook up H. fossilis on Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Heteropneustes fossilis QR codeLFS label creator
ARN ref:1.187.62.134
Last UpdateThu Jan 01, 1970 1:00 am (Species record created: Wed Apr 24, 2019 6:53 pm)