Asian Stream Catfish

About

Found only in the upper Ann Chaung drainage of Myanmar, this obscure miniature catfish, Akysis vespertinus, belongs to a family collectively known as Asian stream catfishes. It is exceptionally rare in the aquarium trade, so if you do encounter one, consider yourself lucky. Like other members of the genus Akysis, it wears a cryptic pattern of yellowish blotches or bands on a brownish base, and its skin has a distinctive tuberculate texture. The narrow, triangular-looking head and a forked caudal fin help separate it from related species. One important note for anyone handling this fish: all akysids carry venom glands at the base of their dorsal and pectoral spines. The sting is not medically dangerous to a healthy adult, but it is genuinely painful, so take care during tank maintenance or any time the fish needs to be moved. Despite being listed as aggressive in some records, it is actually peaceable toward its own kind and can be kept alone or in a group. It does best alongside similarly small, non-boisterous companions. Miniature cyprinids, small loaches, or other tiny akysid catfishes fit the bill well. Breeding has not been formally documented for this species, though closely related species have been spawned in captivity with a significant temperature drop as the apparent trigger.