Fin's Fish Guide
The Meta pencil catfish (Ituglanis metae) is a freshwater fish of the family Trichomycteridae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The Meta pencil catfish is a pencil catfish (Trichomycteridae) from clear streams and rivers of the Orinoco basin in South America. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, almost scaleless, yellow-brown body with barbels and small eyes. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it creeps and wriggles among gravel, sand and leaf litter and snaps at insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Meta pencil catfish?
The Meta pencil catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Meta pencil catfish live?
The Meta pencil catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Colombia
How big does the Meta pencil catfish get?
The Meta pencil catfish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Meta pencil catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Meta pencil 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.
Want the complete picture on the Meta pencil catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Meta pencil catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ituglanis
More from the family Trichomycteridae
Want the complete picture on the Meta pencil catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Meta pencil catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.