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Cavia catfish (Glyptothorax cavia) — Sisoridae

Cavia catfish

Glyptothorax cavia
Family: Sisoridae

The Cavia catfish (Glyptothorax cavia) is a freshwater fish of the family Sisoridae that grows up to 28 cm.

Length
28 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Can cause injury
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Cavia catfish is a hillstream catfish (Sisoridae) from fast-flowing fresh water of de Ganges- en Brahmaputrastelsels in Zuid-Azie. The species grows to about the Ganges and Brahmaputra systems in South Asia cm and has a flattened, grey-brown body with barbels, an inferior mouth and stout dorsal and pectoral spines, adapted to life among stones in flowing water. As a bottom-dweller it searches for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The sharp fin spines can give a puncture wound when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cavia catfish?

The Cavia catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Cavia catfish live?

The Cavia catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Cavia catfish get?

The Cavia catfish grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.

Is the Cavia catfish dangerous to humans?

The Cavia catfish can cause injury; handle it with care.

Is the Cavia catfish edible?

Yes, the Cavia catfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Holwang-bergmeerval sourced
English name
Cavia catfish sourced
Scientific name
Glyptothorax cavia
Family
Sisoridae
Other names
Catfish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
28.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Glyptothorax

More from the family Sisoridae

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