Akysis prashadi (Hora 1936)
This is one of the larger Akysis, which belong to the “variegatus” group. With only A sinensis & A pseudobagarius growing as large. Overall markings can vary slightly from specimen to specimen, but generally speaking there are three areas of dark brown banding along the body. A hendrickson is similar in colouration and markings, but is smaller in length, has a narrower head and more closely set eyes than A prashadi. Smaller juvenile specimens look very similar to A heterurus & A recavus with the way the banding is arranged on the body, but can be identified in that the caudal fin is deeply emarginated, whereas it is truncated in the other two. Sexing is relatively easy with the females having larger ventral fins and in having deeper pectoral fins.
A substrate of sand mixed with small rounded stones and pebbles, interspersed with thick clumps of plants would make an ideal bio-type for these fishes, as they are not very active unless they are in search of food, and like something to hide amongst. Fish like barbs and rasbora’s make excellent tank mates, however as they have quite wide mouths, any fry from livebearers or fish around that size will be readily predated upon. Water conditions are not crucial as long as it is well filtered. Feeding does not pose a problem, live foods such as white worms, bloodworms, small earthworms, daphnia should be offered. Although they do not care for prepared foods, they will feed upon frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworm with enthusiasm; often gorging themselves until their stomach’s become extended.
Synonyms
Akysis variegatus variegatus