Helicophagus

Helicophagus waandersii

Helicophagus is a genus of the family of shark catfish. It includes three types: Helicophagus leptorhynchus, Helicophagus typus and Helicophagus waandersii. These are found in Thailand, Indochina and Indonesia and feed primarily on molluscs, as noted by the generic name alludes.

Characteristics and systematics

The genus Helicophagus differs from the other species of shark catfish by an elongated head with a relatively narrow mouth and a Gaumenbezahnung, which consists of two round or oval areas on the palate bone. The barbels on the lower jaw are long. The dorsal fin has a spike-like hard radiation and seven soft rays. The adipose fin is very small. The extended anal fin has about thirty soft rays. The caudal fin is forked. The mouth is inferior.

Swell

• Tyson R. Roberts, Chavalit Vidthayanon: Systematic revision of the Asian catfish family Pangasiidae, with biological observations and descriptions of three new species. In: Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad .. 143, 1991, pp. 97-144.