Heteropneustes, the airsac catfishes, is a genus of catfishes native to Asia. This genus is the only one in its family. Their bodies are elongated and compressed with greatly depressed heads. They have long air sac that serve as lungs that extends from the gill chamber. The dorsal fin is short and has no spine. The pectoral fins have an associated venom gland and is considered dangerous. They are oviparous; distinct pairing is possible.