Genus · Catfish

Bagroides

Bagroides is a genus with 2 species in this atlas, catalogued in the Catfish section, recorded from Brunei, China, Indonesia and 2 more countries. Adult sizes run from 11 in to 13.5 in. Every species below links to a full researched profile.

Species in atlas
2
Adult sizes
11–13.5 in
IUCN assessed
2 of 2
Recorded from
5 countries

About the genus

Bagroides is a genus of bagrid catfish native to Southeast Asian river systems - the atlas records it from Brunei, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Atlas species reach a substantial 11–13.5 in, with the elongated body, forked tail, and long barbels typical of bagrids, an Old World catfish family built for an active, predatory life in flowing rivers and their tributaries.

The harlequin lancer catfish (B. melapterus) is the species most likely to be seen in the hobby, known for its striking dark-and-cream banded pattern and lance-shaped snout; it is a predatory, fast-growing fish that needs a large aquarium and is best kept with tankmates too big to be eaten. B. hirsutus is far less documented and appears to be of mainly scientific interest. Conservation status is only partly assessed, with one atlas species Least Concern and the other Not Evaluated.

IUCN Red List: Least Concern · 1 Not Evaluated · 1

The 2 species

Every Bagroides recorded in this atlas. Each card links to a full researched profile — distribution, water parameters, and aquarium care, cited to primary sources.

(Herre, 1934)

11 in SL · NE

Bleeker, 1851

Harlequin lancer catfish, Lancer catfish

13.5 in TL · LC

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How to cite

Aquarist Atlas (2026). Genus Bagroides. Aquarist Atlas. https://www.aquaristatlas.com/bagroides/

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