Fin's Fish Guide
The Candiru whale catfish (Cetopsis candiru) is a freshwater fish of the family Cetopsidae that grows up to 26 cm.
Description
The candiru whale catfish is a catfish from the Amazon basin in South America. It grows to about 26 cm and has a cylindrical, scaleless body with a terminal mouth and short barbels. It lives on the bottom and in the open water of tropical rivers. The fish is notorious as a scavenger and flesh-eater: it bores into dead or weakened fish and carcasses and can cause considerable damage to caught fish. To humans the species is regarded as harmless. Little is known of its reproduction. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Candiru whale catfish?
The Candiru whale catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Carrion and flesh eater that burrows into dead or weakened fishes and carcasses
Where does the Candiru whale catfish live?
The Candiru whale catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Amazon basin
How big does the Candiru whale catfish get?
The Candiru whale catfish grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.
Is the Candiru whale catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Candiru whale 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 Candiru whale catfish edible?
The Candiru whale catfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cetopsis
More from the family Cetopsidae
Want the complete picture on the Candiru whale catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Candiru whale catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.