Hemibagrus punctatus
Overview
Hemibagrus punctatus, or Nilgiri mystus, is a species of fish in the family Bagridae. It was first described by Jerdon in 1849. It is endemic to east-flowing rivers in the Western Ghats of India.
Of these, the species is likely only found in the Kaveri River; records from the Krishna River may actually be of H. maydelli. However, one record from the west-flowing Bharatappuzha River has been tentatively assigned to this species.
The last record of this species was in 1998, and it may have experienced a population decline of nearly 100%; thus, IUCN categorizes the species as critically endangered. It is threatened by habitat degradation by excess siltation, excess fishing, and dam construction. However, based on several specimens caught by fishermen between 2011 and 2012 that likely belong to this species, as well as testimonies from local fishers, moderate populations of this species may still be extant in the region.
Hemibagrus punctatus faces severe population decline primarily due to overfishing and habitat degradation in the Mekong River system. Dam construction has fragmented its riverine habitat and altered natural flow patterns essential for spawning. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge has further compromised water quality in its remaining range.
Habitat
This freshwater catfish inhabits large rivers and tributaries of the Mekong River basin, preferring deep pools and rocky substrates. It typically occurs in areas with moderate to strong currents and requires clean, well-oxygenated water for optimal survival.
