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Aguaruna catfish (Aguarunichthys torosus) — Pimelodidae

Aguaruna catfish

Aguarunichthys torosus
Family: Pimelodidae

The Aguaruna catfish (Aguarunichthys torosus) is a freshwater fish of the family Pimelodidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
34.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Aguaruna catfish is a long-whiskered catfish (Pimelodidae) from the upper Amazon basin of South America. The species grows to about 35 cm and has a streamlined, spotted body with a broad head and three pairs of long barbels. As a nocturnal predator it searches fast-flowing rivers for small fish and large invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans, though the fin spines can prick.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Aguaruna catfish?

The Aguaruna catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Aguaruna catfish live?

The Aguaruna catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Aguaruna catfish get?

The Aguaruna catfish grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.

Is the Aguaruna catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Aguaruna catfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Aguaruna-roofmeerval sourced
English name
Aguaruna catfish sourced
Scientific name
Aguarunichthys torosus
Family
Pimelodidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
34.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Pimelodidae

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