Fin's Fish Guide
The Andean pencil catfish (Trichomycterus rivulatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Trichomycteridae that grows up to 37 cm.
Description
The Andean pencil catfish is a small, slender catfish from high-altitude lakes and streams of the Andes, in western Bolivia, Peru and northern Chile, including Lakes Titicaca and Poopo. The species grows to about 37 cm and has a scaleless, mottled brown body with small eyes and a flattened head. As a bottom-dweller it shelters under stones by day and hunts small bottom animals at night. Unlike the notorious candiru this is not a blood-sucking parasite. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Andean pencil catfish?
The Andean pencil catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Scaleless mountain body; nocturnal hunter under stones (not a candiru)
Where does the Andean pencil catfish live?
The Andean pencil catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Highland Andes
How big does the Andean pencil catfish get?
The Andean pencil catfish grows to a maximum of about 37 cm.
Is the Andean pencil catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Andean 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 Andean pencil catfish edible?
The Andean pencil catfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Trichomycterus
More from the family Trichomycteridae
Want the complete picture on the Andean pencil catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Andean pencil catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.