Fin's Fish Guide
The Amazon pencil catfish (Ituglanis amazonicus) is a freshwater fish of the family Trichomycteridae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
Ituglanis amazonicus is a small, slender pencil catfish of the family Trichomycteridae from the Amazon basin in South America. The species has a pencil-shaped, soft and scaleless body with barbels and reaches about 7 cm. It lives mainly in small forest creeks with noticeable current and a sandy-rocky bottom, where it hides among the substrate. On the gill cover it bears hooks (odontodes) with which it can cling to surfaces. It is unknown whether the species feeds on flesh or blood of living animals or lives on carrion. Owing to its secretive habits little is known about its biology.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Amazon pencil catfish?
The Amazon pencil catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Pencil-shaped, scaleless body with opercular hooks to lock itself in place.
Where does the Amazon pencil catfish live?
The Amazon pencil catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Small forest streams of the Amazon basin in South America.
How big does the Amazon pencil catfish get?
The Amazon pencil catfish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Amazon pencil catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Amazon pencil catfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Amazon pencil catfish edible?
The Amazon pencil catfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ituglanis
More from the family Trichomycteridae
Want the complete picture on the Amazon pencil catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Amazon pencil catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.