Fin's Fish Guide
The Frogmouth catfish (Batrochoglanis raninus) is a freshwater fish of the family Pseudopimelodidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Fresh water of northern South America (the Amazon and Orinoco region), in calm rivers, creeks and bank vegetation.
Description
The frogmouth catfish is a stocky South American catfish of the family Pseudopimelodidae reaching about 20 cm. The brown, marbled body has a broad, flattened, frog-like head with a large mouth and barbels, and stout spines in the pectoral and dorsal fins that can cause painful puncture wounds. Its camouflage makes it nearly invisible on the bottom among leaf litter and roots. The species comes from the Amazon and Orinoco regions of northern South America and lives in quiet rivers, creeks and bankside growth. As a motionless ambush hunter it takes passing small fish, crustaceans and insect larvae at night. Because of its unusual look it is popular in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Frogmouth catfish?
The Frogmouth catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Stocky South American catfish with a broad, frog-like head, barbels and sturdy spines; well camouflaged on the bottom.
Where does the Frogmouth catfish live?
The Frogmouth catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of northern South America (the Amazon and Orinoco region), in calm rivers, creeks and bank vegetation.
How big does the Frogmouth catfish get?
The Frogmouth catfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Frogmouth catfish dangerous to humans?
The Frogmouth catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. The pectoral and dorsal fins bear stout, serrated spines that can cause painful puncture or cut wounds; handle a caught animal carefully and clean any wound.
Is the Frogmouth catfish edible?
The Frogmouth catfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Frogmouth catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Frogmouth catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Batrochoglanis
More from the family Pseudopimelodidae
Want the complete picture on the Frogmouth catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Frogmouth catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.