Science News: Bagridae - Hemibagrus velox

[Silurus]

Synopsis by Shane Linder

Tan Heok Hui and Ng Heok Hee have described a new member of the genus Hemibagrus. Hemibagrus velox, Tan & Ng 2000 was found in central Sumatra. The holotype measures 175 mm standard length. This fish, like other members of the Hemibagrus planiceps "group," occurs in the upper stretches of large rivers. They prefer clear, fast-flowing waters with a rocky or sandy substrate. Other catfishes encountered in the same environment include: Akysis macronema, Bagarius yarrelli, and Glyptothorax platypogon. The fish's specific name, velox, comes from the Latin velox, meaning fast and is a reference to its habitat.


References: Tan H. H. & H. H. Ng. 2000. The catfishes (Tellostei: Siluriformes) of central Sumatra. Journal of Natural History, 34: 267-303.