Fin's Fish Guide
The Graceful pimelodella (Pimelodella cristata) is a freshwater fish of the family Heptapteridae that grows up to 34 cm.
Fresh water of northern and central South America, in slow-moving water of rivers, creeks and swamps.
Description
The graceful pimelodella is a slender small catfish of the family Heptapteridae reaching about 34 cm. The silvery-grey, scaleless body has very long barbels reaching far backward, an adipose fin and a dark lengthwise stripe along the flank. The pectoral and dorsal fins bear stout, serrated spines that cause painful puncture wounds. The species comes from the fresh water of northern and central South America and lives in slow water of rivers, creeks and swamps. Mainly at night it probes the bottom with its long barbels for insect larvae, small crustaceans, worms and small fish. For its size and behaviour it appears in the aquarium hobby; when handling, the sharp fin spines call for care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Graceful pimelodella?
The Graceful pimelodella has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender little dwarf catfish with very long barbels, an adipose fin and a dark longitudinal stripe; strong spines in the pectoral and dorsal fin.
Where does the Graceful pimelodella live?
The Graceful pimelodella lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of northern and central South America, in slow-moving water of rivers, creeks and swamps.
How big does the Graceful pimelodella get?
The Graceful pimelodella grows to a maximum of about 34 cm.
Is the Graceful pimelodella dangerous to humans?
The Graceful pimelodella 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 Graceful pimelodella edible?
The Graceful pimelodella is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Pimelodella
More from the family Heptapteridae
Want the complete picture on the Graceful pimelodella?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Graceful pimelodella is one of 12,519 species in the app.