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Narrowhead dwarf catfish (Tetracamphilius angustifrons) — Amphiliidae

Narrowhead dwarf catfish

Tetracamphilius angustifrons
Family: Amphiliidae
NE · Not Evaluated

The Narrowhead dwarf catfish (Tetracamphilius angustifrons) is a freshwater fish of the family Amphiliidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Congo basin
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The narrowhead dwarf catfish is a minute African catfish from fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species reaches only about 4 cm and has a stocky, flattened body with a narrow head and short barbels. As a bottom-dweller it holds onto sand and stones in flowing forest streams and searches for small insect larvae and invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans and has no commercial value. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Narrowhead dwarf catfish?

The Narrowhead dwarf catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Narrow head and short barbels; small bottom catfish of flowing water

Where does the Narrowhead dwarf catfish live?

The Narrowhead dwarf catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Congo basin

How big does the Narrowhead dwarf catfish get?

The Narrowhead dwarf catfish grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Narrowhead dwarf catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Narrowhead dwarf 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.

Is the Narrowhead dwarf catfish edible?

The Narrowhead dwarf catfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Narrowhead dwarf catfish verified
Scientific name
Tetracamphilius angustifrons
Family
Amphiliidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.9 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Congo basin verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small insect larvae and invertebrates inferred
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Current-loving dwarf catfish; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Narrow head and short barbels; small bottom catfish of flowing water sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Tetracamphilius

More from the family Amphiliidae

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