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Mostafa Hossain (2) Andrew Rao (3) Arnob Bora (1) Abhisek Mishra (2)

Habitat: Eutropiichthys vacha was described from the larger freshwater rivers of the Gangetic provinces (Hamilton 1822) in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh (Ferraris and Vari 2007). This species is known from the northern part of the Indian subcontinent southwards to the Mahanadi River. This species inhabits fluviatile habitats, particularly in larger rivers with a sandy or muddy bottom (H.H. Ng 2009). Because this species is heavily utilized as a food fish, overfishing is a potential major threat. Indeed, published data for parts of its natural distribution suggest that overfishing is a major cause of local population declines (Mishra et al. 2009). Other threats to this species are unknown, since there is no information on the biology of this species and therefore the impact of potential threats (especially those of an anthropogenic nature) remains unknown. The current threats to aquatic biodiversity in all of its known distribution have also not been adequately identified. Although IUCN Bangladesh (2000) identify habitat loss as a major threat to this species, this does not appear to be supported by any empirical data. (IUCN). Aquarium Care: These catfish are constant swimmers and get stressed immediately after catching. So keeping them alive becomes a challenge as they are extremely fragile and sensitive fish. Unless they are trapped and caught its nearly impossible to get them and keep alive. If staying alive it can be a fun species to keep (Mishra, A. 2022). Etymology: The genus name Eutropiichthys: Greek, eutropheia = well fed + Greek, ichthys = fish. The specific name vacha: Local Gangetic name for ailiid catfishes in India, including this one. Remarks: Eutropiichthys vacha is still listed in Fishbase as belonging to the Schilbeidae family but it is updated in The Catalog of Fishes as the current status of being a member of the Ailiidae family.

Batchwa vacha

Pimelodus vacha, Pachypterus punctatus

Ailiidae

Asia: Northern India, south to the Mahanadi River, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan. Type locality: Larger fresh water rivers of the Gangetic provinces.

25.0cm. (10ins)

23-26°C (73-79°F)

6.5-7.2.