Travancore black stinging catfish
📖 Overview
The species was collected from a stream bed dominated by mud sediments; sand occurs as discrete patches within the mud dominant deposits; depth and width of the area are 0.3-0.7 m and 6.0-7.0 m, respectively; the bank height is 2.0-3.0 m above the water level during summer. This area is also covered by dense to moderate riparian vegetation; intermittent occurrence of low riparian vegetation observed at certain places. Major flora includes Ochreinauclea missionis, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Bambusa bambos, B. vulgaris. etc. Associated fish species in the region are the following Haludaria fasciata, Labeo rohita, L. dussumieri, Osteobrama bakeri, Amblypharyngodon microlepis, Rasbora dandia, Dawkinsia filamentosa, Puntius parrah, P. nelsoni, P. viridis, Pethia ticto, Hypselobarbus kurali, Devario malabaricus, Tor khudree, Horabagrus brachysoma, Mystus keralai, Mystus indicus, Wallago attu, Macrognathus albus. It is an economically important catfish in inland capture and culture fisheries. In central Travancore these fishes are caught by gill nets, cast nets, traps and hooks and are sold in large quantities in live condition. Sometimes transported to distant markets, sold alive after several days due to having the air breathing apparatus. Valued as food fish due to its palatability and nutritional quality, and also used as an ornamental fish and found in the aquarium trade .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 4 - 5; Anal soft rays: 72 - 75; Vertebrae: 58 - 60. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: deep black body and fins; differs from H. fossilis in having a deep black body (vs. chocolate to dark brown color), fins deep black (vs. light brown) and with cephalic fontanel broader and deeper .Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Travancore black stinging catfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Travancore black stinging catfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Travancore black stinging catfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal. Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Heteropneustes Fuscus 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
Detailed nutritional data for Travancore black stinging catfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Travancore black stinging catfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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