Species Profile: Encheloclarias tapeinopterus

Description:   Type species of Encheloclarias, originally described in the genus Heterobranchus by Bleeker (1852/1853). Eel-like airbreathing clariid catfish, part of a genus specialized for life buried deep within peat swamp substrate. Historically also reported from Borneo, but those populations are now recognized as the distinct species E. baculum — narrowing this species' confirmed range to just Bangka and Sumatra. Population in steep decline, primarily from peat swamp habitat loss.

Category:   Catfish

Global Region:   Asia

Distribution:   Bangka Island and Sumatra, Indonesia

CARES Classification:   Vulnerable