Fin's Fish Guide
The Dwarf whale catfish (Cetopsidium minutum) is a freshwater fish of the family Cetopsidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Description
The dwarf whale catfish is a tiny whale catfish (Cetopsidae) from slow-flowing fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basin in South America. The species grows to only about 3 cm and has a stocky, scaleless, smooth, greyish body with small eyes and short barbels. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it roots through sand and leaf litter and snaps at small invertebrates and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dwarf whale catfish?
The Dwarf whale catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Dwarf whale catfish live?
The Dwarf whale catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela
How big does the Dwarf whale catfish get?
The Dwarf whale catfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Dwarf whale catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Dwarf 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.
Want the complete picture on the Dwarf whale catfish?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cetopsidium
More from the family Cetopsidae
Want the complete picture on the Dwarf whale catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dwarf whale catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.