Fin's Fish Guide
The Bearded catfish (Pseudancistrus barbatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
Pseudancistrus barbatus is an armoured catfish of the family Loricariidae from northern South America. The body is covered with bony plates and the species has a ventral sucker mouth; adult males bear a row of stout bristle-spines (odontodes) on the snout, whose length is related to rank within the population. It reaches about 20 cm and lives in rapids, where it stays in rock crevices in strong current and clings to the rocks with its sucker mouth. With its rasping mouth it scrapes off algae and aufwuchs. The species is fished locally with harpoons or bow and arrow.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bearded catfish?
The Bearded catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Spiny bristles (odontodes) on the snout of the male; inferior sucker mouth for rapids.
Where does the Bearded catfish live?
The Bearded catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fast-flowing rivers of northern South America.
How big does the Bearded catfish get?
The Bearded catfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Bearded catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Bearded 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 Bearded catfish edible?
The Bearded 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 Pseudancistrus
More from the family Loricariidae
Want the complete picture on the Bearded catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bearded catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.