Description:
Dorsal soft rays (total): 26 - 27; Anal soft rays:
54 - 55. Habitat: This species is
known from the Sambas and Rajang river drainages in
western Borneo, Malaysia and Indonesia. It was recently
discovered in Brunei Darussalam extensively widening
the known distribution of this species, (Tan et al.
2023). Etymology: The genus name
Encheloclarius: énchelys (Greek),
eel, i.e., an eel-like Clarias, referring
to the shape of E. tapeinopterus. The specific
name baculum: Latin for rod, stick or staff,
referring to its shape. Remarks:
The species' range is therefore now larger than previously
assessed (EOO is now equal to 122,380 km2). The species
does not meet or approach any thresholds for a threatened
category, and as such, it is classified as Least Concern.
However, the habitat continues to be degraded as a
result of agriculture, deforestation, and canal drainages;
further research on the impact of threats, as well
as population trends must be conducted (IUCN 2023).
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
Encheloclarias prolatus
Family:
Clariidae
Distribution:
Southeast Asia:
Brunei, Sarawak and Sambas, West Borneo. Type
locality: Probably Borneo: Sambas, Kalimantan
Barat.
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