Fin's Fish Guide
The Driftwood catfish (Trachelyopterus galeatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Auchenipteridae that grows up to 30 cm.
Fresh water of northern and central South America, in calm rivers, creeks and floodplains with submerged wood.
Description
The driftwood catfish is a stocky South American catfish of the family Auchenipteridae reaching about 30 cm. The brown, spotted body has a broad, flattened head with barbels, an adipose fin and stout spines in the pectoral and dorsal fins that can cause painful puncture wounds. By day it shelters in crevices, hollow logs and among submerged wood - hence the name. At night it hunts insects, small crustaceans, small fish and plant matter. Notable is its reproduction: fertilisation is internal and the female can store the sperm for a time before laying the eggs. The species comes from northern and central South America and is popular in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Driftwood catfish?
The Driftwood catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Stocky South American catfish with a broad head, barbels and sturdy spines; with internal fertilisation the female stores the sperm.
Where does the Driftwood catfish live?
The Driftwood catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of northern and central South America, in calm rivers, creeks and floodplains with submerged wood.
How big does the Driftwood catfish get?
The Driftwood catfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Driftwood catfish dangerous to humans?
The Driftwood catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. The pectoral and dorsal fins bear stout, serrated spines that can cause painful puncture or cut wounds; handle a caught animal carefully and clean any wound.
Is the Driftwood catfish edible?
The Driftwood catfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Trachelyopterus
More from the family Auchenipteridae
Want the complete picture on the Driftwood catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Driftwood catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.