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Dwarf antenna catfish (Imparfinis minutus) — Heptapteridae

Dwarf antenna catfish

Imparfinis minutus
Family: Heptapteridae
LC · Least Concern

The Dwarf antenna catfish (Imparfinis minutus) is a freshwater fish of the family Heptapteridae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America, in large rivers with a strong current.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Imparfinis minutus is a small catfish (family Heptapteridae) of South America. The species reaches about 12 cm and has an elongate, brownish body with long barbels. It frequently occurs in large rivers with strong currents, together with other bottom fishes such as pimelodellas and armoured catfishes. Its diet consists of aquatic insect larvae and small invertebrates that it searches for on the bottom at night. Because of its small size the species is of no fishery value and is harmless to humans. Little is known in detail about its reproduction and lifespan.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf antenna catfish?

The Dwarf antenna catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Small, elongated catfish with long barbels; lives in fast-flowing rivers.

Where does the Dwarf antenna catfish live?

The Dwarf antenna catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America, in large rivers with a strong current.

How big does the Dwarf antenna catfish get?

The Dwarf antenna catfish grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Dwarf antenna catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf antenna catfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Dwarf antenna catfish edible?

The Dwarf antenna catfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Dwarf antenna catfish sourced
Scientific name
Imparfinis minutus
Family
Heptapteridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America, in large rivers with a strong current. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Aquatic insect larvae and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Small, elongated catfish with long barbels; lives in fast-flowing rivers. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Imparfinis

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Threadfin dwarf catfish
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Holland's catfish
Imparfinis hollandi
Heptapteridae
 Peppered dwarf catfish (Imparfinis piperatus) — Heptapteridae
Peppered dwarf catfish
Imparfinis piperatus
Heptapteridae

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