Fin's Fish Guide
The Lucena's driftwood catfish (Trachelyopterus lucenai) is a freshwater fish of the family Auchenipteridae that grows up to 17 cm.
Description
The Lucena's driftwood catfish is a driftwood catfish (Auchenipteridae) from slow-flowing fresh water of southeastern South America. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a sturdy, scaleless, dark body with a broad head, large eyes and stiff barbels that it spreads forward at rest. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller 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 Lucena's driftwood catfish?
The Lucena's driftwood catfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Lucena's driftwood catfish live?
The Lucena's driftwood catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, Uruguay
How big does the Lucena's driftwood catfish get?
The Lucena's driftwood catfish grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.
Is the Lucena's driftwood catfish dangerous to humans?
The Lucena's 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.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Trachelyopterus
More from the family Auchenipteridae
Want the complete picture on the Lucena's driftwood catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lucena's driftwood catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.