Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794)
Description
Common Names
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Teleostei
Order: Siluriformes
Family: Heteropneustidae
Genus: Heteropneustes
Species: Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794)
Climate Zone
Location
Biology
Facultative air-breathing (Ref. 126274); Adults found mainly in ponds, ditches, swamps and marshes, but sometimes occur in muddy rivers. Recorded as having been or being farmed in rice fields (Ref. 119549). 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 (Ref. 205). In great demand due to its medicinal value. Venomous fish, from its pectoral spines (Ref. 94495).
Habitat
brackish