Tapah

Wallagonia leerii 

Habitat & Distribution :  Southeast Asia

Diet: Fish, frogs, crustacean 

Size : 150 cm 

Lifespan: 10 - 16 tahun

Description

It has a short, rounded body and a long broad tail The anal fin of the fish is about as long as the tail itself and it ends in a forked caudal fin. It is among the largest species of catfish 

Behavior

Tapah are known to hide in deep river beds, slow-flowing areas, or under structures such as fallen tree trunks, then attack their prey at high speed. 

Reproduction

They are oviparous freshwater catfish that reproduce via external fertilization, with females releasing eggs in large rivers and flooded areas. They typically have a single, annual spawning season 

Communication & Perception

Like other large catfish, they use their long barbels to explore their environment and locate food in dark or murky waters. These barbels are highly sensitive and act as receptors to detect chemical cues from prey or other fish 

Predator(s)

Crocodiles, birds