Phalacronotus bleekeri (Günther 1864)

Maxillary barbels extending to eyes, mandibulary ones minute. Dorsal fin absent; pectoral fins much shorter than head, with a denticulated spine; pelvic fins small; anal fin long, its base 2.8-3.0 times HL (Ref. 4792). Head 4 2/3 times in SL; vomerine teeth in smoothly curved band; short maxillary barbel not extending beyond jaw; mandibular barbels shorter than eye width; caudal peduncle lacking dark blotch at its base (Ref. 12693). Body depth 5.1-5.9 times in SL (Ref. 43281).

Potamodromous. Migrating within streams, migratory in rivers, e.g. Saliminus, Moxostoma, Labeo. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Analsoft rays: 77 - 85

Occurs in rivers, streams and lakes as well as in impoundments (Ref. 12693). A migratory species (Ref. 37772). Undertakes lateral migrations from the Mekong River into smaller tributaries and into the floodplains at the start of the flood season, returning back to the main river channel when the water begins to recede at the onset of the dry season (Ref. 37770). Migrations are triggered by the first rainfall at the end of the dry season, as well as water level changes. Lunar cycle affects also the movements. Returns to the river from the floodplain and tributaries on, or immediately before, the full moon (Ref. 37770). Feeds on small fishes, shrimps and aquatic insect larvae (Ref. 6459).

fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: experimental

Phalacronotus bleekeri, commonly known as Bleeker's sheatfish, is a species of catfish of the genus Phalacronotus. This species grows to a length of 60 centimetres (24 in) SL.

This fish is found in mainland Southeast Asia.