Heteropneustes Nani
📖 Overview
Facultative air-breathing ; This species is found in ponds, ditches, canals, flooded rice fields, swamps, marshes, waterlogged areas and rivers. Its air-breathing apparatus enables it to survive in low water depth, even in turbid and oxygen deficit conditions. During the winter season the fish can live in semi-liquid mud and when the mud dries up they burrow to the bottom of fissures and crevices formed by the cracking mud. Recorded physicochemical parameters during the study period are the following: water temperature 18-28°C; pH 6.5-7.5; dissolved oxygen 4.5-5.0 mg/l; water transparency 45-60 cm at 1.0-1.8 m depth. This fish is able to deliver a stinging protein (known as poison) emanated from the venom glands around the pectoral spine, and is reported to be neurotoxic and hemolytic (i.e. destruction of red blood cells) in humans, causing local numbness, inflammation and severe painful physical conditions on the affected limb (warm water bath, application of lukewarm turmeric paste, ejection of blood, and traditional herbal medicine are commonly used for healing). Still, its flesh is of good table quality and nutritional value. rich in iron and low fat, and a valuable source of protein .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following: smallest in size; head length greater than the depth of body; small terminal mouth bearing nearly equal jaws and fleshy lips; united anal-caudal fin; pectoral spines completely separated from rays with 9-10 antrorse serrae along inner edge and 13-15 in outer edge; body colour blackish with two indistinct lateral bands on flank, with the ventral surface lighter .: elongated; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Heteropneustes Nani is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; depth range 1 - 2 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- pain
- oedema
- rare systemic effects
Wound care, analgesia.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Heteropneustes Nani 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 Heteropneustes Nani is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Heteropneustes Nani 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)
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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