Fin's Fish Guide
The Guyana suckermouth catfish (Hypostomus hemiurus) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The Guyana suckermouth catfish is an armoured catfish from the coastal rivers of the Guianas in South America. It grows to about 20 cm and has a body armoured with bony plates and a sucker mouth on the underside with which it scrapes algae and growth from stones and wood. As a bottom-dweller the fish lives in tropical fresh water and can breathe air through its gut. The fish is harmless to humans and of no fisheries interest. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guyana suckermouth catfish?
The Guyana suckermouth catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Armoured with bony plates; sucker mouth for scraping algae; can breathe through the intestine
Where does the Guyana suckermouth catfish live?
The Guyana suckermouth catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Guianas (northern South America)
How big does the Guyana suckermouth catfish get?
The Guyana suckermouth catfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Guyana suckermouth catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Guyana suckermouth 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 Guyana suckermouth catfish edible?
The Guyana suckermouth catfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hypostomus
More from the family Loricariidae
Want the complete picture on the Guyana suckermouth catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guyana suckermouth catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.