Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigeye longwhisker catfish (Iheringichthys megalops) is a freshwater fish of the family Pimelodidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The bigeye longwhisker catfish is a long-whiskered catfish (Pimelodidae) from fresh water of the Parana and Paraguay basins in South America. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a slender, silver-grey body with fine dark spots, conspicuously large eyes and very long barbels. As a bottom-dweller it roots in sand and mud bottoms of rivers for molluscs, insect larvae and small invertebrates. The stout, sharp dorsal and pectoral spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigeye longwhisker catfish?
The Bigeye longwhisker catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Bigeye longwhisker catfish live?
The Bigeye longwhisker catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Paraguay
How big does the Bigeye longwhisker catfish get?
The Bigeye longwhisker catfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Bigeye longwhisker catfish dangerous to humans?
The Bigeye longwhisker 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 Iheringichthys
More from the family Pimelodidae
Want the complete picture on the Bigeye longwhisker catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigeye longwhisker catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.