Crystal-eyed catfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crystal-eyed catfish |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
The Crystal-eyed Catfish (scientific name: Hemibagrus wyckii) is a special type of catfish. It belongs to a group of fish called Siluriformes, and its family is known as Bagridae. People sometimes call it the "black devil catfish" because of its dark color and strong personality.
Contents
Where Do Crystal-Eyed Catfish Live?
This amazing fish comes from Asia. You can find it in countries like Thailand and Indonesia. It lives in big rivers and their connected waterways.
Rivers and Regions
Crystal-eyed catfish are found in the Mekong River and Chao Phraya River systems in central Indochina. They also live in the Batang Hari and Musi River in Sumatra. In Peninsular Malaysia, they are in the Pahang River and Perak River. You can also find them in the Citarum River in Java. Finally, they swim in the Baram, Rejang, Kapuas, and Barito River systems in Borneo.
What Does a Crystal-Eyed Catfish Look Like?
Crystal-eyed catfish are mostly black. They have a few white marks on their tail fin and back fin. Their eyes are a striking sky blue color.
Size and Body Features
These fish can grow quite large, reaching about 71 centimeters (28 inches) long. This measurement is called "SL," which means standard length (from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail). Their head is very flat and wide. The tail fin is dark grey. The spine on their dorsal fin has 10 to 12 small bumps, or "serrations," on its back edge.
Comparing to Similar Catfish
The Crystal-eyed Catfish looks a lot like another fish called Hemibagrus wyckioides. However, there are some key differences. H. wyckioides does not have the serrations on its dorsal fin spine. It also has a shorter dorsal fin base and shorter whiskers (called maxillary barbels) around its mouth.
How Do Crystal-Eyed Catfish Live?
Crystal-eyed catfish usually stay in the middle parts of the large rivers they call home. They are known for being very active and strong.
What They Eat
These fish are hunters! They eat a variety of foods. Their diet includes insects, prawns (which are like small shrimp), and other fishes.
Their Personality
Crystal-eyed catfish are known for being quite bold. They can be very strong and confident, even around animals their own size. Some people have even said they are "the only freshwater fish unafraid of man." This means they are not shy and can be very curious.
Crystal-Eyed Catfish and Humans
These fish are important to people in a few ways.
As Food
In Asian countries, Crystal-eyed catfish are caught and sold fresh as a food fish. They are also raised in special fish farms, a process called aquaculture.
As Aquarium Pets
Both Hemibagrus wyckii (the Crystal-eyed Catfish) and Hemibagrus wyckioides are popular choices for large aquariums. However, it's important to know that these fish have a strong personality. They can be very active and might even try to bite or move things around in their tank. Because they are so strong and like to hunt, it's usually best to keep a Crystal-eyed Catfish by itself in an aquarium.
