Fin's Fish Guide
The Duckbill catfish (Iheringichthys labrosus) is a freshwater fish of the family Pimelodidae that grows up to 44 cm.
Description
The duckbill catfish is a long-whiskered catfish (Pimelodidae) from the La Plata basin of southern South America. The species grows to about 44 cm and has a streamlined body with a long, flattened, beak-shaped snout, thick lips and three pairs of long barbels. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it probes sand and mud bottoms of rivers and reservoirs with its barbels for insect larvae, molluscs and small invertebrates. It is a local food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Duckbill catfish?
The Duckbill catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Beak-shaped snout and three pairs of barbels; nocturnal bottom-dwelling catfish
Where does the Duckbill catfish live?
The Duckbill catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. La Plata basin
How big does the Duckbill catfish get?
The Duckbill catfish grows to a maximum of about 44 cm. On average the species is around 26 cm.
Is the Duckbill catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Duckbill 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 Duckbill catfish edible?
Yes, the Duckbill catfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Iheringichthys
More from the family Pimelodidae
Want the complete picture on the Duckbill catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Duckbill catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.