Macrognathus pancalus Hamilton, 1822
Barred spiny eel
Pankal baim,  Barred spiny eel,  Guchi,  Spiny eel,  গুচি
Macrognathus pancalus
photo by Khan, M.M.

Family:  Mastacembelidae (Spiny eels)
Max. size:  18.9 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 34.5 g
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish
Distribution:  Asia: Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Reported from Nepal (Ref. 9496).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 24-26; Dorsal soft rays (total): 30-42; Anal soft rays: 31-46
Biology:  Inhabits slow and shallow waters of rivers of plains and estuaries; never available above an altitude of 366 m. Also found in canals, streams, beels, ponds and inundated fields (Ref. 1479). Has been placed into aquaria and kept by hobbyists; it stays on the bottom and spawns in the upper water-level. The more slender and generally smaller males pursue the female in courtship; several males may join in.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 January 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Reported from Choto Jamuna river (Ref. 100698). Found in small rivers, canals, streams, beels, ponds, and inundated fields. Very abundant during the rainy season. Also Ref. 4833, 39989, 41236, 56321.


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