Fin's Fish Guide
The Flatwhiskered catfish (Pinirampus pirinampu) is a freshwater fish of the family Pimelodidae that grows up to 120 cm.
South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay and others
Description
The flatwhiskered catfish is a large long-whiskered catfish (Pimelodidae) from fresh water of the Amazon, Orinoco and Parana basins in South America. The species grows to about 1.2 metres and has an elongate, greyish, scaleless body with very long, flat barbels, a long adipose fin and a deeply forked tail. As a nocturnal open-water predator it migrates through large rivers and hunts fish and crustaceans. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Flatwhiskered catfish?
The Flatwhiskered catfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Flatwhiskered catfish live?
The Flatwhiskered catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay and others
How big does the Flatwhiskered catfish get?
The Flatwhiskered catfish grows to a maximum of about 120 cm.
Is the Flatwhiskered catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Flatwhiskered 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 Flatwhiskered catfish edible?
Yes, the Flatwhiskered catfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Pimelodidae
Want the complete picture on the Flatwhiskered catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Flatwhiskered catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.