Kryptopterus bicirrhis (Valenciennes, 1840)
Glass catfish
photo by Roberts, T.R.

Family:  Siluridae (Sheatfishes)
Max. size:  15 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Asia: Mekong and Chao Phraya basins; Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo.
Diagnosis:  Anal soft rays: 55-68. Rudimentary dorsal fin; the maxillary barbels reaching to the anal fin; 55-68 anal rays (Ref. 27732). Dorsal profile arched with a nuchal concavity; pectoral-fin length greater than head length (Ref. 12693).
Biology:  Inhabits large rivers with turbid waters (Ref. 27732). Reported to prefer fast flowing water and usually occurs along the shores (Ref. 56749). Enters flooded fields (Ref. 12975). Found in lowland streams to peat adjacent in large school up to 100 fish (Ref. 57235). Diurnal. Feeds mostly on pelagic hemipterans and some small fishes (Ref. 12693), also on worms, crustaceans and insects (Ref. 7020). The clearest body of world's fish (Ref. 57235). Used to make prahoc or fish sauce and regularly seen in the aquarium trade (Ref. 12693). Aquarium keeping: at least 10 individuals; minimum aquarium size 100 cm (Ref. 51539, 57235).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 May 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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