Synopsis by Shane Linder
Sadly, the strange Asian catfishes of the family Akysidae are poorly known to aquarists. These fishes are the so-called Asian banjo catfishes after their similar appearence to members of the South American family Aspredinidae. Breitensteinia inhabit the middle and upper reaches of rivers in Borneo and Sumatra and the authors found the genus sexually dimorphic. These are peaceful lethargic fish and in the aquarium they need either a species tank or one with quiet tankmates.
The genus consists of Breitensteinia cessator, B. hypselurus, and B. insignis. Male Breitensteinia possess a short genital papilla immediately behind the anus. The pelvic fins of the female are also more closely set.
Reference: H. H. Ng & D. J. Siebert, 1998. A revision of the akysid catfish genus Breitensteinia Steindachner with descriptions of two new species" Journal of Fish Biology 53: 645-657
Science News: Akysidae - Breitensteinia
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