Heteropneustes fossilisLiver Catfish
authority not recorded
Max length
300mm SL12in SL
The liver catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis, is a catfish from Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and the Andaman Islands. Also known as the stinging or fossil catfish, it carries venom sacs at the base of the pectoral spines and its sting is very painful, so it is not recommended for the inexperienced. Exceptionally hardy and long-lived, it can breathe atmospheric air to a certain extent and survives in sluggish, oxygen-deficient swamps and ditches.
