Fin's Fish Guide
The Peppered dwarf catfish (Imparfinis piperatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Heptapteridae that grows up to 3 cm.
Description
The Peppered dwarf catfish is a long-whiskered catfish (Heptapteridae) from clear, flowing streams and rivers of southeastern Brazil. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a slender, scaleless, grey-brown body with three pairs of long barbels and an adipose fin. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it searches among gravel, sand and leaf litter for insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms. The stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Peppered dwarf catfish?
The Peppered dwarf 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 Peppered dwarf catfish live?
The Peppered dwarf catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil
How big does the Peppered dwarf catfish get?
The Peppered dwarf catfish grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Peppered dwarf catfish dangerous to humans?
The Peppered dwarf 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 Imparfinis
More from the family Heptapteridae
Want the complete picture on the Peppered dwarf catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Peppered dwarf catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.