Home · Bagridae · Variegated bagrid
Variegated bagrid (Leiocassis poecilopterus) — Bagridae

Variegated bagrid

Leiocassis poecilopterus
Family: Bagridae

The Variegated bagrid (Leiocassis poecilopterus) is a fish of the family Bagridae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

The variegated bagrid is a bagrid catfish (Bagridae) from slow-flowing fresh water of Sundaland in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a sturdy, scaleless, dark-marbled body with four pairs of barbels, an adipose fin and variegated fins. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it searches over sand and mud for insect larvae, crustaceans and small fish. The stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines are venomous and can give a painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Variegated bagrid?

The Variegated bagrid is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Variegated bagrid live?

The Variegated bagrid is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Variegated bagrid get?

The Variegated bagrid grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Variegated bagrid dangerous to humans?

The Variegated bagrid is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bontvin-stekelmeerval sourced
English name
Variegated bagrid sourced
Scientific name
Leiocassis poecilopterus
Family
Bagridae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
20 inferred
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Leiocassis

More from the family Bagridae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →