Gustiano, R., Ath-thar, M. H. F., Prakoso, V. A., Radona, D., & Kusmini, I. I. (2019). Diagnostic and description of asian pangasiid catfish genus Helicophagus from southeast asia. Indonesian Fisheries Research Journal, 25(2), 123-131. http://dx.doi.org/10.15578/ifrj.25.2.2019.123-131
ABSTRACT
Pangasiid catfishes is an economic important catfish family for fishery. Nowadays, three species, Pangasius hypophtahlmus [sic], P. boucorti [sic], and P. djambal, are used in aquaculture. Among the genera in Pangasiidae,
was less studied. Although this genus was less preferred than other popular species in Pangasiidae, it still has high commercial price. The present study was conducted to clarify the differences of the exist species in the genus Helicophagus based on biometric analyses. Twenty six specimens, collected from represent rivers in Southeast Asia, used for the material examined. Several type specimens deposited in museums were also added in the analyses. Thirty five characters were designed for measurement on the unique body conformation. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to distinguish different species and found strong characters for key identification and description. The results presented the data and information on the diagnosis, description, distribution, and ecology of each species. Key identification of each species are given. The three species (
Key to the species of Helicophagus: (HL = Head length)
1a. Anal rays 27-30; premaxillary teeth in a single curved band; gill rakers on the first branchial arch 27-33; eye diameter less than 9.3-13.5% HL; mandibular barbel less than 35%; anal fin length less than 32.9%.....
1b. Anal ray counts more than 35; premaxillary teeth divided into two quadratic bands; gill rakers on the first branchial arch 7-18; eye diameter more than 14% HL; mandibular barbel more than 35%; anal fin length more than 33.6%..... 2
