Fin's Fish Guide
The Flatface whiptail catfish (Planiloricaria cryptodon) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
The flatface whiptail catfish is an armoured catfish (Loricariidae) from sandy, slow-flowing rivers of the western Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a strongly flattened, bony-plated, brown body with a broad, flat head, an inferior sucker mouth and a long, thin tail stalk. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried in sand and searches for small invertebrates and organic matter. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Flatface whiptail catfish?
The Flatface whiptail catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Flatface whiptail catfish live?
The Flatface whiptail catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Peru
How big does the Flatface whiptail catfish get?
The Flatface whiptail catfish grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Flatface whiptail catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Flatface 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
More from the family Loricariidae
Want the complete picture on the Flatface whiptail catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Flatface whiptail catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.