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Turkestan catfish (Glyptosternon reticulatum) — Sisoridae

Turkestan catfish

Glyptosternon reticulatum
Family: Sisoridae

The Turkestan catfish (Glyptosternon reticulatum) is a freshwater fish of the family Sisoridae that grows up to 24 cm.

Length
24 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Turkestan catfish is a sisorid mountain catfish (Sisoridae) from cold, fast-flowing waters of Central Asia, including the Amu Darya basin. The species grows to about 24 cm and has a flattened, stocky body with a broad head, barbels and broadened, skin-folded pectoral and pelvic fins with which it clings to stones in the current. As a bottom-dweller it searches for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Turkestan catfish?

The Turkestan catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Turkestan catfish live?

The Turkestan catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Turkestan catfish get?

The Turkestan catfish grows to a maximum of about 24 cm. On average the species is around 16 cm.

Is the Turkestan catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Turkestan catfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Turkestan catfish edible?

Yes, the Turkestan catfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Turkestan-bergmeerval sourced
English name
Turkestan catfish sourced
Scientific name
Glyptosternon reticulatum
Family
Sisoridae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
24.0 verified
Average length (cm)
15.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Sisoridae

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