Fin's Fish Guide
The Plain whiptail catfish (Aphanotorulus unicolor) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
The plain whiptail catfish is an armoured catfish (Loricariidae) from South America. The species has an elongate body armoured with bony plates and an inferior sucker mouth with which it attaches to a substrate. It lives bottom-bound in rivers and streams and rasps growth, algae and detritus from stones and wood with the sucker mouth. It is an omnivore that also takes small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Plain whiptail catfish?
The Plain whiptail catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Body armoured with small bony plates and a sucker mouth; rasps biofilm from stones and wood.
Where does the Plain whiptail catfish live?
The Plain whiptail catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America; rivers and streams.
How big does the Plain whiptail catfish get?
The Plain whiptail catfish grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Plain whiptail catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Plain whiptail catfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Plain whiptail catfish edible?
The Plain whiptail catfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Aphanotorulus
More from the family Loricariidae
Want the complete picture on the Plain whiptail catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Plain whiptail catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.