Bronze featherback
📖 Overview
Obligate air-breathing ; Found in clear streams and enters brackish waters . Adults inhabit standing and sluggish waters of lakes, floodplains, canals and ponds . Undertake localized lateral migrations from the Mekong River to floodplains during the flood season and back to the mainstream or other permanent water bodies during the dry season . Common in tanks throughout the greater parts of India. Feed on insects, fish , crustaceans and some young roots of aquatic plants . Active during twilight and night. Colonize and breed seasonally during rainy days and migrates back to permanent waters in dry season . Breeding takes place in stagnant or running waters in the rainy season. Eggs are laid in small clumps on submerged vegetation. A female measuring 21-25 cm usually lays 1,200-3,000 eggs. The fish is relished both in fresh and dried state. Soup made from it is reported to be given to people with measles . Of high economic importance as food fish in South and Southeast Asia to Borneo and Sumatra and taken by all types of small-scale fishing gears .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 9; Anal soft rays: 97 - 111. Distinguishable by its plain brown adult coloration and the convex or only slightly concave dorsal head profile; juveniles (
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Bronze featherback is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Bronze featherback is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Spawning occurs at night .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; brackish; demersal; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5; dH range: 3 - 8; potamodromous . Tropical; 24°C - 28°C ; 35°N - 10°S Southeast Asia: Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand (Mekong River), Indonesia (Sumatra and Java) and Myanmar (Lake Inle, Salween basin).
🌿 Ecology
insects, fish (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Bronze featherback 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 | 17.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 175 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Bronze featherback has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Bronze featherback ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.