Asian redtail catfish
📖 Overview
Occurs in most habitat types, but most frequent in large muddy rivers, with slow current and soft bottom . Enters flooded forest . Feeds on exogenous insects, aquatic insect larvae, shrimps, other crustaceans and fishes. Moves into flooded forests to spawn and the young are usually first seen in August. In Tonlé Sap (Cambodia), maximum numbers are found as it returns to rivers in November and December. A highly priced aquarium fish. Usually marketed fresh . High in nutritive values especially omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 10 - 13. Body color brown often with greenish sheen. Fins gray with violet tint. Pectoral fin spines serrated along the inner edge. Base of adipose fin shorter than that of dorsal fin and about equal to that of anal fin. Barbels four pairs; nasal barbels extending to or beyond eyes, maxillary ones in anal fin, mandibulary ones beyond base of pectoral fins, mental ones 2/3 - 3/4 the distance between their base and insertion of pectoral fins . Head flattened rather than conical; rugose skull roof; depressed dorsal fin not reaching adipose fin; pectoral fin smooth in front; 9 branched anal rays .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Asian redtail catfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.0 - 8.2; dH range: 10 - 25; potamodromous ; depth range 5 - ? m . Tropical; 22°C - 25°C ; 19°N - 6°S
🌿 Ecology
exogenous insects, aquatic insect larvae, shrimps, other crustaceans and fishes
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Asian redtail catfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 240 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Asian redtail catfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Yellow Catfish |
| 🌍KHM | ត្រីឆ្លាំង |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bagrus nemurus | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Bagrus sieboldii | Bleeker | 1846 | Synonym |
| Macrones nemurus | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Mystus nemurus | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 10 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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