Bronze Featherback

Bronze Featherback is a species of fish belonging to the family Notopteridae, commonly found in South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is also known by several other names such as Knifefish or Clown Knifefish due to its unique shape and coloration.

Description

The Bronze Featherback is characterized by its elongated, knife-like body and a long, continuous dorsal fin that extends to the tail, giving it a feather-like appearance. The body color varies from bronze to dark grey, often with a series of spots or stripes. The average size of an adult Bronze Featherback is about 100 cm, but some specimens can reach up to 120 cm.

Habitat and Distribution

The Bronze Featherback is native to the fresh and brackish waters of South Asia and Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Cambodia. It prefers slow-moving or stagnant waters with plenty of vegetation, such as rivers, lakes, and flooded fields.

Diet and Behavior

The diet of the Bronze Featherback primarily consists of smaller fish and invertebrates. It is a nocturnal species, spending the day hiding among vegetation and coming out to feed at night. Despite its size, the Bronze Featherback is a shy and peaceful fish, often avoiding confrontation with other species.

In Aquaculture

The Bronze Featherback is popular in aquaculture due to its unique appearance and behavior. It is often kept in large aquariums and requires a diet of live or frozen food. However, due to its size and specific needs, it is not recommended for beginner aquarists.

Conservation Status

The Bronze Featherback is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, like many freshwater species, it is affected by habitat loss and pollution. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting its natural habitats and promoting sustainable fishing practices.

See Also

• Notopteridae
• Aquaculture
• Conservation status