Bagarius lica

(Volz, 1903)

Vernacular names

English : Goonch, Giant devil catfish
French : Goonch

Classification

Class : Teleostei
Order : Siluriformes
Family : Sisoridae
Notes : No subspecies known. Formerly included in B. bagarius and B. yarrelli.

Identification

Huge catfish species growing to at least 2 meters in length. Very thick barbels with thick base. Pointed dorsal fin and caudal fin tips. Coloration from grey to beige with black speckles and dark saddles on back and often darker head.

Range and habitat

This species occurs in South East Asia, in most big rivers drainages from Thailand to Vietnam, south to Malaysia, Simatra and Borneo. Only found on the bottoms of big rivers, often amongst boulders.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is still relatively common but vulnerable to water pollution and under hunting pressure.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation