Helicophagus leptorhynchus Ng & Kottelat, 2000
Helicophagus leptorhynchus
photo by Panitvong, N.

Family:  Pangasiidae (Shark catfishes)
Max. size:  47.2 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Asia: Chao Phraya and Mekong River drainages in Indochina.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 6-7; Anal soft rays: 35-42; Vertebrae: 46-48. Can be differentiated from all its congeners by the following combination of characters: length of anal-fin base 34.5-38.2% SL, length of caudal peduncle 12.9-15.3% SL, head length 20.8-22.8% SL, eye diameter 16.1-21.2% HL, 9-12 gill rakers on the first branchial arch (Ref. 39387). Snout relatively elongate, conical in dorsal view; mouth narrow, with 20-25 times in SL; posterior nostril midway between anterior nostril and eye (Ref. 43281).
Biology:  Occurs in permanent river channels and does not move into flooded areas. Migrates upstream when water levels begin to rise at the beginning of the flood season and moves downstream as the water clears at the end of the flood season. Feeds predominantly on bivalves.
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 20 October 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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