Threadfin paradiseas catfish – (Polynemus paradiseas)
This extremely rare fish is found South and Southeast Asia. Depending on the species, they are inhabit freshwater, brackish, or marine waters. Although this fish is called a catfish, it is not related to the catfish family at all. The paradiseas are so rare that it is difficult to even find information on them. They are rare in the aquarium hobby due to how difficult it is to keep them alive in captivity. These fish like very still water and need to be kept in the exact salinity, temperature, and darkness that they are used to in the wild. They feed on very small crustaceans and other fish in the wild, they constantly feel around for food with their whiskers. The threadfin catfish is completely blind and is constantly moving due to its lack of a swim bladder. A swim bladder is a gas filled organ that most fish have to stay buoyant.
The Polynemidae family is characterized by their pectoral fins, they’re divided into two sections. The upper section has attached whiskers (threads) and the lower section has unattached threads. Polynemus have 14-15 unattached threads, this is in contrast to fish of other genera which only have 3–7. There really is not much of a “pro or con” in the aquarium hobby since it is almost never found. The Polynemus paradiseas is an amazing fish to learn about and enjoy in pictures. Hopefully one day more information will be available and we can learn even more!
