Fin's Fish Guide
The Dwarf whiptail catfish (Rineloricaria parva) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
The Dwarf whiptail catfish is an armoured catfish (Loricariidae) from fresh water of the Parana and Paraguay basins in South America. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a strongly elongate, flattened body armoured with bony plates that tapers into a long, thin tail, with a sucker mouth underneath. As a bottom-dweller it clings by day to wood and stones of flowing rivers and rasps algae, biofilm and detritus by night. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dwarf whiptail catfish?
The Dwarf whiptail catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Dwarf whiptail catfish live?
The Dwarf whiptail catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay
How big does the Dwarf whiptail catfish get?
The Dwarf whiptail catfish grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Dwarf whiptail catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Dwarf 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.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Rineloricaria
More from the family Loricariidae
Want the complete picture on the Dwarf whiptail catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dwarf whiptail catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.