Breitensteinia hypselurus Ng & Seibert 1998

Identification: Breitensteinia hypselurus is long and slender with a long low adipose ridge but no adipose fin, tall neural spines in the caudal vertebrae, a slender caudal peduncle (26% SL), a relatively large eye (5% head length), the gill opening not extending above the pectoral fin base, 11-12 principal caudal rays, 6 branchiostegal rays, and 42 vertebrae. The broad, depressed head is covered with small, indistinct tubercles. Tubercles on the body are arranged in 5-6 horizontal rows on both sides. The anterior nostril is tubular, and the caudal fin has a straight posterior margin. The narrow occipital process reaches the predorsal plate. The posterior edge of the pectoral spine is smooth. Body and head dark brown above with scattered light brown spots, light brown to cream-colored below with few brown spots. Dark brown bands on fins. To 5 in. (13 cm) total length.

Range: This species is found in the Kapuas River drainage in western Borneo.

Habitat: B. hypselurus is found among woody debris in current in small to medium-sized rivers.

Similar species: B. cessator and B. insignis have a serrated posterior edge on the pectoral spine, a longer caudal peduncle (31-37%% SL), low neural spines in the caudal vertebrae, and 44-45 vertebrae.

Information from Ng, H. H. and D. J. Seibert. 1998. A revision of the akysid catfish genus Breitensteinia Steindachner with descriptions of two new species. Journal of Fish Biology 53:645-657.

Breitensteinia hypselurus map
Distribution Map