Squarehead catfish (Chaca chaca) fish species and information / pictures of Squarehead catfish - Chaca chaca

Squarehead catfish (Chaca chaca) fish species information

Scientific Name
Chaca chaca

Common Name
Squarehead catfish

Biology
Inhabits rivers, beels, canals and ponds. Prefers soft substrates where it lies concealed in the soft mire of the river bed. It depends upon this concealment for protection and will not even move when it is touched lightly. Lies quietly on the bottom until some prey comes along. Apparently a worm-like appendix at the fringe of the mouth is used to attract prey. Fairly common in catches, but is not eaten perhaps due to its ugly appearance.

Classification

Classified By
Hamilton, 1822
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Catfish (Siluriformes)
Family
Squarehead or angler catfish (Chacidae)

Distribution

Region
Asia
Distribution
Asia: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaya and Indonesia. Reported from Myanmar.
Range
38°N - 18°N

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
22 °C
Water Temperature To
24 °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Freshwater; ; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 4 - 25 demersal; potamodromous
Trophic Level
4.2 s.e. 0.73 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
False
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
True
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
20.0 cm
Common Length
Unknown cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.7500 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Vulnerability
Low vulnerability (10 of 100)
Resilience
Unknown
Threat To Humans
Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
Least Concern (LC)