Hyalobagrus

Hyalobagrus is a genus of bagrid catfishes found in Southeast Asia.

Hyalobagrus
Hyalobagrus ornatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Siluriformes
Family:	Bagridae
Genus:	Hyalobagrus H. H. Ng & Kottelat, 1998
Type species
Pseudobagrus ornatus Duncker 1904

Species

There are currently three recognized species in this genus:^[1]

• Hyalobagrus flavus H. H. Ng & Kottelat, 1998 (Shadow catfish)
• Hyalobagrus leiacanthus H. H. Ng & Kottelat, 1998
• Hyalobagrus ornatus (Duncker, 1904)

Distribution

Hyalobagrus species are distributed in Asia.

Description

These catfish species are small and transparent.^[2] The three species can be distinguished by differences in body shape, coloration, and the degree of serrations on the anterior edge of the pectoral fin spine.^[3] The three species range from about 3–4.4 centimetres (1.2–1.7 in) SL.^[4][5][6]

Hyalobagrus species are sexually dimorphic, males possess a genital papilla, and gravid females are easy to spot since their blue-green eggs are visible through their bellies.^[2]

Ecology

These catfish are mid-water swimmers.^[2] They are also schooling fish.^[3] In their natural habitat, they are almost always found closely associated with submerged vegetation.^[3]

In the aquarium

H. flavus and H. ornatus are known to be exported for the aquarium trade.^[3][6] H. flavus first appeared in the hobby in the 1980s.^[3] They seem to do best in a heavily planted tank with tankmates that will not out compete them for food.^[2] They are a peaceful, diurnal community species that accept all kinds of foods.^[3] None of these species have been bred in captivity.^[2]