Akysis Prashadi

Datasheet

General Description

The Akysis Prashadi, commonly known as the Indawgyi Stream Catfish, is a species within the Akysidae family of the order Siluriformes. This nocturnal micropredator typically reaches a maximum size of 6.2cm and is characterized by a unique combination of physical features, including head length, head width, and caudal peduncle depth. Members of the Akysidae family, also known as "Asian stream catfishes," are identifiable by their tuberculate skin and cryptic color patterning, usually comprising yellowish bands or blotches on a brownish background. These catfish are equipped with venom apparatus that can deliver a painful sting, requiring careful handling.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for the Akysis Prashadi, a soft, sandy substrate is essential as these catfish may bury themselves partially. Decor should include water-worn rocks, driftwood roots, branches, and crevices for hiding. While aquatic plants are not common in their natural habitat, species like Microsorum and Anubias can be added, particularly mosses that won't be disturbed by the catfish's burrowing behavior. Maintaining pristine water conditions with high dissolved oxygen and proper water movement is vital for their well-being. Regular weekly water changes of 30-50% tank volume are recommended.

Behaviour

The Indawgyi Stream Catfish is non-aggressive and can coexist peacefully with smaller tankmates such as miniature schooling cyprinids and certain catfish species. They are not aggressive towards conspecifics and can be kept singly or in small groups. These catfish exhibit nocturnal feeding habits and primarily prey on small aquatic crustaceans, worms, and insect larvae in the wild. Offering small live or frozen foods like Artemia, Daphnia, bloodworm, or glassworm after dark is ideal to mimic their natural feeding behavior.

Feeding and Diet

Akysis species are primarily nocturnal micropredators feeding on small aquatic crustaceans, worms, insect larvae, and other zooplankton. In aquariums, they may show a preference for live or frozen foods and could be reluctant to accept dried alternatives initially. Regular offerings of small live or frozen fare such as Artemia, Daphnia, bloodworm, or glassworm are recommended, especially after dark to encourage natural feeding behaviors.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Reproduction in Akysis Prashadi remains largely unreported, with one documented instance involving successful spawning triggered by a significant drop in temperature. Sexual dimorphism is evident in various Akysis species, with males possessing distinctive genital papillae compared to females. These differences extend to anal fin positioning, pelvic fin morphology, and genital opening characteristics, allowing for visual differentiation between the sexes.

Habitat and Distribution

The Akysis Prashadi, or Indawgyi Stream Catfish, is native to the upper Irrawaddy/Ayeyarwady river drainage in Myanmar and has also been reported in northeastern India. These catfish are typically found in swiftly-flowing streams and rivers with sand, gravel, and rock substrates. The transparent to slightly turbid water may see increased suspended material during rainy periods. While aquatic plants are sparse, the habitat supports a diverse fish population, including various species of loaches, cyprinids, and other catfish.