Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

---

Common name: Günther's catfish

Synonyms and Other Names: Pseudobagrus brachysoma Günther, 1864; P. chryseus Day, 1865; Günther's catfish, sun catfish, yellow catfish, bullseye catfish, manjakoori

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: This species can be identified from all other native catfishes in North America by the presence of a large black spot with a yellow border located just above the pectoral fins.

Native Range: Endemic to rivers in southern India, including the states of Kerala and Karnataka: Aghanashini, Achenkovil, Chalakudy, Periyra, Meenachil, Manimala, Pampa, Moovatupuzha, and Kali Rivers (Ali et al. 2007).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: This species is a benthic omnivore, consuming crustaceans, detritus, plant matter, mollusks, fish scales, and fish larvae. This species show some ontogenetic shifts in diet, with crustaceans comprising a large role in small (< 100 mm TL) individuals and a more diverse diet in larger individuals. Feeding intesity is lowest during monsoon season, with highest intensity in the post-monsoon season (Sreeraj et al. 2006). Reproduction coincides with the monsoon season (Kurian and Inasu 2003; Chandran and Prasad 2014).

Means of Introduction: Likely aquaculture farm escape.

Status: Unknown.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: This species is listed (as of March 2014) as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List due to fishing pressure and habitat degredation (Raghavan and Ali 2011). This species is popular in the ornamental and aquarium trade (Alie et al. 2007).

References: (click for full references)

Ali, A.P.H., R. Raghavan, and G. Prasad. 2007. Threatened fishes of the world: Horabagrus brachysoma (Gunter, 1864) (Bagridae). Environmental Biology of Fishes 78:221. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10641-006-0022-4

Chandran, L.R., and G. Prasad. 2014. Reproductive cahracters of yellow catfish Horabagrus brachysoma (Horabagridae) from Periyar River, western Ghats. Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries 2(1):154-161.

Kurian, M., and N.D. Inasu. 2003. Reproductive biology of a catfish Horabagrus brachysoma (Gunther) from inland waters of central Kerala. Journal of the Inland Fisheries Society of India 35(1):1-7.

Raghavan, R., and A. Ali. 2011. Horabagrus brachysoma. In: IUCN 2013. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/full/172387/0. Accessed on 03/28/2014.

Sreeraj, N., R. Raghavan, and G. Prasad. 2006. The diet of Horabagrus brachysoma (Gunther), an endangered bagrid catfish from Lake Vembanad (South India). Journal of Fish Biology 69:637-642. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2006.01134.x/abstract

Other Resources:

Author: Neilson, M.E.

Peer Review Date: 3/28/2014

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.