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Holland's catfish (Imparfinis hollandi) — Heptapteridae

Holland's catfish

Imparfinis hollandi
Family: Heptapteridae

The Holland's catfish (Imparfinis hollandi) is a freshwater fish of the family Heptapteridae that grows up to 23 cm.

Length
23 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina, Brazil

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Description

Holland's catfish is a small three-barbeled catfish (Heptapteridae) from fresh water of southeastern Brazil. The species grows to about 23 cm and has an elongate, yellow-brown, scaleless body with long barbels and an adipose fin. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it shelters by day among stones and roots of flowing streams and searches for insect larvae and small invertebrates at night. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Holland's catfish?

The Holland's catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Holland's catfish live?

The Holland's catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Argentina, Brazil

How big does the Holland's catfish get?

The Holland's catfish grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.

Is the Holland's catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Holland's 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Holland's catfish sourced
Scientific name
Imparfinis hollandi
Family
Heptapteridae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
23.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Argentina, Brazil sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Imparfinis

More from the family Heptapteridae

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