Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue-eye catfish (Platydoras hancockii) is a freshwater fish of the family Doradidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Northern South America; black- and clearwater rivers of the Guiana Shield.
Description
Hancock's talking catfish is a thorny catfish (Doradidae) from South America. The species has a stocky, dark body with pale lengthwise bands, barbels and a row of bony thorn plates along the flank, plus very stout, serrated pectoral fin spines. With these spines and its swim bladder it can produce grunting sounds, to which the name refers. It lives in quiet, shaded parts of blackwater and clearwater rivers of the Guiana Shield. Probing the bottom, it feeds on insect larvae, small invertebrates and detritus. The serrated fin spines can give a painful puncture wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue-eye catfish?
The Blue-eye catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Bony thorn plates and serrated spines; makes grunting sounds ('talking catfish'), stinging spines.
Where does the Blue-eye catfish live?
The Blue-eye catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northern South America; black- and clearwater rivers of the Guiana Shield.
How big does the Blue-eye catfish get?
The Blue-eye catfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Blue-eye catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blue-eye catfish is harmless to humans. Not venomous, but the stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal fin spines can inflict a painful puncture wound. Clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical care if it becomes infected.
Is the Blue-eye catfish edible?
The Blue-eye catfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Platydoras
More from the family Doradidae
Want the complete picture on the Blue-eye catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue-eye catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.