The main diagnostic differences to tell the difference between Indian goonches and Thai goonches are the spots, stripes, the general and the shape of the eyes. Indian goonches all have round eyes. Rutilus, the type of Thai goonch that we have been seeing the past few months, have very bold stripes, few to no spots and oval eyes. Not to mention the thick body that more closely resembles a 'normal' catfish body plan than an Indian. The Bagarius from India will be more dorsovetrally compressed than a rutilus with indistinct stripes and very distinct "dalmatian like" spots. And round eyes.
Then there's the "Thai yarrelli" which is likely not a yarrelli at all but a different species that is not currently recongnized.
The relationships of the fish in this genus are interesting indeed and in need of revision. I am not (yet) qualified to perform a revision, but I have a pretty good grasp of what's going on in the genus.
I am presently preparing a post to explain the confusing relationships of the fish in this genus, of the same sort as the post that I did for ATF. I've been working on this for about a month now. The hold up has been correspondence with a very interesting and incredibly knowledgeable contributor who has provided me with insight and images for the article.
Stay tuned.![]()