Edit Heteropneustes fossilis

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Name

Scientific name

Heteropneustes fossilis

Described by

Not recorded

Family

Clariidae

Common names

Liver Catfish

Photograph credits

All 2 credited

Summary

The liver catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis, is a catfish from Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and the Andaman …

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

300mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 45 cm

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 21–25°C, pH 6–8

Hardness

5–30dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Not recorded

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Not recorded

Writing

Etymology

Not written yet

Distribution

Its natural range is quite large and covers parts of Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and the Andaman Islands.

Habitat

Most often found in sluggish and sometimes oxygen deficient swamps, ditches and ponds. It's also known to enter rivers and has occasionally been recorded in br…

Aquarium size

One of these would need a tank measuring at least 120 ∗ 45 ∗ 45 cm - ~243 litres.

Maintenance

Does best in a dimly-lit tank with plenty of hidng places, as well as some open areas for swimming. This can be furnished with smooth rocks, driftwood, lengths…

Water conditions

Temperature: 21 – 25 °C pH: 6.0-8.0 Hardness: 5-30°H

Diet

Not difficult to feed. It will take most sinking dried, live and frozen foods. Try to ensure it receives a good proportion of meaty fare such as earthworms, bl…

Behaviour and compatibility

While smaller tankmates will undoubtedly be eaten, it's quite peaceful with similarly-sized or larger, active species. Ideal choices are those that inhabit dif…

Sexual dimorphism

Mature females tend to be rounder-bodied than males.

Reproduction

Has been bred in captivity but few details are available. Apparently, it's a substrate-spawner that lays its eggs in a pre-excavated pit. Both parents assume r…

Notes

Also known as the stinging or fossil catfish, H. fossilis is not recommended to the inexperienced due to its venomous nature. The venom is contained in sacs at…

Also known as the stinging or fossil catfish, H. fossilis is not recommended to the inexperienced due to its venomous nature. The venom is contained in sacs at the base of the pectoral spines. A sting from one of these is very painful indeed, in some very rare cases fatal. It goes without saying that extreme care must be exercised when performing tank maintenance, or if you need to move the fish for any reason. If stung, the wound should be immersed in water as hot as you can stand, as this will help to denature the proteins in the venom. Medical advice should also be sought.

It's an exceptionally hardy and long-lived species, and can easily survive for 20 years or more when cared for properly. It can breathe atmospheric air to a certain extent, allowing it to survive in some fairly hostile conditions. The swim bladder is modified into an elongated air sac, connected to the gill chamber to assist in this. It also secretes a mucous that helps to slow down the drying out of the skin, and can seal its gills completely. These adaptations mean it can leave the water for short periods of time and move to new areas.

There is some confusion regarding the members of the genus Heteropneustes. While there are currently 4 recognised species, the validity of at least one of these (H. microps) is questionable. Whilst some state the species are distinct, others argue that the only distinguishing characteristics are geography and a feature of the anal fin that may in fact be down to injury rather than genetics.

The species was only moved into the family Clariidae in 2003.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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References

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Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References