Fin's Fish Guide
The Leopard driftwood catfish (Glanidium leopardum) is a freshwater fish of the family Auchenipteridae that grows up to 11 cm.
South America; coastal rivers of the Guianas with driftwood and bank vegetation.
Description
The Leopard driftwood catfish is a driftwood catfish (Auchenipteridae) from slow-flowing fresh water of the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a sturdy, scaleless, dark body with a broad head, large eyes and stiff barbels. As a nocturnal fish it shelters by day under wood, roots and banks and snaps at insects, crustaceans and small fish. The stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Leopard driftwood catfish?
The Leopard driftwood catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Leopard-like blotched pattern; driftwood catfish with internal fertilisation, shelters under wood during the day.
Where does the Leopard driftwood catfish live?
The Leopard driftwood catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America; coastal rivers of the Guianas with driftwood and bank vegetation.
How big does the Leopard driftwood catfish get?
The Leopard driftwood catfish grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Leopard driftwood catfish dangerous to humans?
The Leopard driftwood 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.
Is the Leopard driftwood catfish edible?
The Leopard driftwood catfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Glanidium
More from the family Auchenipteridae
Want the complete picture on the Leopard driftwood catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Leopard driftwood catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.