Hemibagrus wyckioides, the Asian redtail catfish, is a species of catfish (order Siluriformes) of the family Bagridae.
These catfish originate from the Mekong basin, and are reported from Chao Phraya, Mae Klong, and peninsular Thailand river systems.[1] There is also an introduced population in Malaysia.[2]
Hemibagrus wyckioides reaches a length of 130 centimetres (51 inches) TL.[1] This species is the largest Bagrid catfish in Asia, and may reach 80 kilograms.[3] The caudal fin is white when the fish is small, but it becomes bright red when it reaches about 15 cm (6 in).[1]
Hemibagrus wyckii bears a resemblance to H. wyckioides, however, H. wyckioides lacks serrations on the dorsal fin spine, has a shorter dorsal fin base, and shorter maxillary barbels.[3]
Hemibagrus wyckioides occurs in large upland rivers, and is common in areas with rocky bottoms and irregular depths.[1][3] These fish do not migrate, but they reproduce locally and enter the flooded forest during high water in July–October.[3] H. wyckiodies feed on insects, prawns, fish, and crabs.[3]
This fish is marketed fresh as a food fish.[1] Hemibagrus are aquacultured in Asian countries.[4]
Hemibagrus wyckioides and Hemibagrus wyckii are the two members of this genus imported as aquarium fish.[4] This species will rearrange decorations in the aquarium.[5] These fish are not picky, and will eat a variety of fish foods.[5] This species is sometimes claimed to be the most aggressive freshwater fish in the world, and should be left alone.[6]
H. wyckioides is an invasive species in Malaysia. They were been introduced as a food fish and some individuals escaped from fish farms or were released illegally into rivers. It is now illegal to keep H. wyckioides in net cages in Malaysia.[2]
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) Hemibagrus wyckioides, the Asian redtail catfish, is a species of catfish (order Siluriformes) of the family Bagridae.
