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Chestnut whiptail catfish (Loricariichthys castaneus) — Loricariidae

Chestnut whiptail catfish

Loricariichthys castaneus
Family: Loricariidae

The Chestnut whiptail catfish (Loricariichthys castaneus) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
39.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil

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Description

The Chestnut whiptail catfish is an armoured catfish (Loricariidae) from fresh water of coastal rivers of southeastern Brazil. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a flattened, bony-plated, yellow-brown body, a broad sucker mouth and a long, thin tail stalk. As a bottom-dweller it rasps algae, growth and detritus from the bottom and wood; the male carries the eggs beneath the lower lip. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Chestnut whiptail catfish?

The Chestnut whiptail catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Chestnut whiptail catfish live?

The Chestnut whiptail catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil

How big does the Chestnut whiptail catfish get?

The Chestnut whiptail catfish grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.

Is the Chestnut whiptail catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Chestnut whiptail 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Chestnut whiptail catfish sourced
Scientific name
Loricariichthys castaneus
Family
Loricariidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
39.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Algae and plant material inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Loricariichthys

More from the family Loricariidae

Fin

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