Akysis clinatus

The torrent catfish <em>Akysis clinatus</em> is a small freshwater species in the family Akysidae, a group of diminutive benthic catfishes native to flowing streams across South and Southeast Asia. Adults of <em>Akysis clinatus</em> typically reach a maximum recorded length of approximately 3.3 cm, making this one of the smaller representatives of its genus. Members of the genus <em>Akysis</em> are characterised by a flattened body profile, roughened tuberculate skin, and an affinity for fast-moving, well-oxygenated current zones in hill streams and river tributaries. Like other akysid catfishes, <em>Akysis clinatus</em> is thought to spend most of its time clinging to rocky substrate and gravel beds, often wedging beneath stones to avoid displacement by strong currents. The species is believed to feed on small invertebrates, periphyton, and organic matter found within the substrate interstices. Details of habitat and range for this species remain limited in the ichthyological literature. The Akysidae family contains several genera distributed from South Asia through the Mekong basin and Malay Peninsula, and many constituent species remain poorly known to science. <em>Akysis clinatus</em> has not been formally evaluated for conservation status, and baseline ecological data necessary for population assessment are currently lacking.