Hemibagrus filamentus (Fang & Chaux, 1949)
Hemibagrus filamentus
photo by FAO

Family:  Bagridae (Bagrid catfishes)
Max. size:  50 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish
Distribution:  Asia: Mekong basin in Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam (Ref. 43281). Reported from the river systems of Maeklong, Chao Phraya, Peninsular and Southeast Thailand (Ref. 26336).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal soft rays: 12-14; Vertebrae: 44-46. Can be differentiated from its congeners by a unique combination of the following characters: head length 31.0-34.3% SL; dorsal to adipose distance 7.3-10.9% SL; length of dorsal-fin 27.3-30.8% SL; post-adipose distance 14.7-16.2% SL; interorbital distance 28.1-31.1% HL; presence of filamentous extensions on the first three dorsal-fin rays in adults (Ref. 38441). Depressed dorsal fin reaching adipose fin; adipose fin same color as body; body and fins a uniform dark brown; crenulate ridge along anterior edge of pectoral spine; 8 branched anal-fin rays (Ref. 12693). Elongated upper caudal lobe ending in a filament (Ref. 43281).
Biology:  Inhabits slowly flowing or standing waters of the lower Mekong. Moves into flooded forests during periods of high water levels. Feeds on crustaceans and fishes. Marketed fresh (Ref. 12693).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 08 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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