Horabagrus brachysoma

Horabagrus brachysoma, commonly known as the sun catfish, is a captivating species of catfish native to the rivers of the Western Ghats in India. It is also referred to as Günther's catfish, yellow catfish, Manjakoori, bullseye catfish, golden red-tail catfish, or solar catfish. This species is distinguished by its large head, broad mouth, prominent eyes, a dorsal fin with a stiff spine, and four pairs of barbels. Its body typically exhibits a yellowish hue with a distinctive black spot on its shoulder.

The sun catfish can grow up to 45 centimeters in length and prefers calm, vegetation-rich waters. It inhabits areas such as the Kerala Backwaters, Vembanad Lake, Chalakudy River, and the Nethravathi River in South Karnataka and Uttara Kannada district. Its diet is quite diverse, including meaty foods such as crustaceans, mollusks, fish, terrestrial insects, and frogs. They are bottom feeders and become particularly active during the breeding season, which occurs just after the monsoon.

This catfish holds importance not only in the wild but also as a valued food source in India and a popular specimen in the aquarium trade. Unfortunately, the sun catfish is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, with its numbers having declined by 60-70% in recent years due to overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and other human activities. To aid in the conservation of this species, extensive research has been conducted on its habitat, genetic makeup, diet, and breeding patterns. Understanding these factors is crucial for the effective conservation of the sun catfish.