Fin's Fish Guide
The Broadhead dwarf catfish (Pimelodella laticeps) is a freshwater fish of the family Heptapteridae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The Broadhead dwarf catfish is a long-whiskered catfish (Heptapteridae) from fresh water of South America. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a slender, scaleless, greyish body with three pairs of very long barbels and an adipose fin. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it searches over sand and mud of rivers and streams for insect larvae, small crustaceans and small fish. The stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Broadhead dwarf catfish?
The Broadhead dwarf catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Broadhead dwarf catfish live?
The Broadhead dwarf catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay
How big does the Broadhead dwarf catfish get?
The Broadhead dwarf catfish grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Broadhead dwarf catfish dangerous to humans?
The Broadhead dwarf 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.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Broadhead dwarf catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Broadhead dwarf catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pimelodella
More from the family Heptapteridae
Want the complete picture on the Broadhead dwarf catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Broadhead dwarf catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.