Akysis pulvinatus · Kra Stream Catfish

Overview

Rare in trade, Akysis pulvinatus is a tiny stream catfish with a relatively long adipose base and a lower tail lobe longer than the upper one. Soft sand, sheltered gaps, and clean oxygenated flow are central to its care.

Distribution & habitat

Records come from west-facing streams of the Kra Isthmus draining toward the Andaman Sea and from the upper Tapi basin. The clear type stream alternated between broad slower sections and narrow riffles over gravel and rocks.

Aquarium setup

Provide soft sand for burial, with worn rocks and branching roots creating crevices. Hardy plants and mosses attached to decor avoid disruption by burrowing; leaves are optional.

Maintain good circulation and oxygen while controlling organic waste through regular 30–50% weekly water changes.

Diet & feeding

Related genus members mainly hunt small animals at night. Offer tiny live or frozen Artemia, Daphnia, and bloodworms, cutting portions for small fish. Feed after dark initially; acceptance of dry foods varies.

Behaviour & compatibility

Small size and limited competitiveness call for peaceful miniature shoalers or compatible bottom dwellers of similar size. Exclude loaches that grow large or become aggressive or territorial. It tolerates its own kind in single or group setups, and coexistence with freshwater shrimp has been reported.

Breeding

Breeding is unreported. Cooling-associated spawning in another species offers only a direction for investigation, not an established schedule of incubation and fry development here.

Notes

The long adipose base, deep tail peduncle, and unequal tail lobes help identify it among similar catfish. The family’s dorsal and pectoral spines can inflict painful stings, so avoid direct handling.