Fin's Fish Guide
The Menezes' driftwood catfish (Auchenipterus menezesi) is a freshwater fish of the family Auchenipteridae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The Menezes' driftwood catfish is a driftwood catfish (Auchenipteridae) from slow-flowing fresh water of northeastern Brazil. The species grows to about 20 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 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 Menezes' driftwood catfish?
The Menezes' driftwood catfish has an elongate, eel-like 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 Menezes' driftwood catfish live?
The Menezes' driftwood catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil
How big does the Menezes' driftwood catfish get?
The Menezes' driftwood catfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Menezes' driftwood catfish dangerous to humans?
The Menezes' 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.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Auchenipterus
More from the family Auchenipteridae
Want the complete picture on the Menezes' driftwood catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Menezes' driftwood catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.