Fin's Fish Guide
The Amazon driftwood catfish (Auchenipterus ambyiacus) is a freshwater fish of the family Auchenipteridae that grows up to 24 cm.
South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and others
Description
The Amazon driftwood catfish is a driftwood catfish (Auchenipteridae) from slow-flowing fresh water of the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a sturdy, scaleless, dark body with a broad head, large eyes and stiff barbels that it spreads forward at rest. As a nocturnal fish it shelters by day under wood, roots and banks and snaps at insects, crustaceans and small fish. The stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Amazon driftwood catfish?
The Amazon driftwood catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Amazon driftwood catfish live?
The Amazon driftwood catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and others
How big does the Amazon driftwood catfish get?
The Amazon driftwood catfish grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.
Is the Amazon driftwood catfish dangerous to humans?
The Amazon driftwood catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. For a cut or puncture from a sharp fin spine: rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Check that no spine fragment remains and watch for signs of infection; for a deep wound update tetanus protection.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Auchenipterus
More from the family Auchenipteridae
Want the complete picture on the Amazon driftwood catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Amazon driftwood catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.