Fin's Fish Guide
The Knight catfish (Cheirocerus eques) is a freshwater fish of the family Pimelodidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The knight catfish is a long-whiskered catfish (Pimelodidae) from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a slender, silver-grey body with long barbels, large eyes and a deeply forked tail. As a bottom-dweller it roots in sand and mud bottoms of rivers for insect larvae, small crustaceans and small fish. The stout, sharp dorsal and pectoral spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Knight catfish?
The Knight catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Knight catfish live?
The Knight catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
How big does the Knight catfish get?
The Knight catfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Knight catfish dangerous to humans?
The Knight catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. For a cut or puncture from a sharp fin spine: rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Check that no spine fragment remains and watch for signs of infection; for a deep wound update tetanus protection.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Pimelodidae
Want the complete picture on the Knight catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Knight catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.