Fin's Fish Guide
The Highwaterman catfish (Hypophthalmus edentatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Pimelodidae that grows up to 58 cm.
Description
The highwaterman catfish is a catfish from the Amazon and Orinoco basins and coastal rivers of the Guianas in South America. It grows to about 58 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with low-set eyes and long barbels. Notably it lacks jaw teeth but uses numerous long gill rakers as a sieve. It lives in schools just below the water surface over muddy bottoms and filters zooplankton such as water fleas and copepods from the water. It is a food fish; females lay tens of thousands of eggs. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Highwaterman catfish?
The Highwaterman catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. No jaw teeth; long gill rakers as a plankton filter; low-set eyes
Where does the Highwaterman catfish live?
The Highwaterman catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Northern South America
How big does the Highwaterman catfish get?
The Highwaterman catfish grows to a maximum of about 58 cm. On average the species is around 45 cm.
Is the Highwaterman catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Highwaterman 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 Highwaterman catfish edible?
Yes, the Highwaterman catfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hypophthalmus
More from the family Pimelodidae
Want the complete picture on the Highwaterman catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Highwaterman catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.