Fin's Fish Guide
The Silver antenna catfish (Pimelodus argenteus) is a freshwater fish of the family Pimelodidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The Silver antenna catfish is a long-whiskered catfish (Pimelodidae) from fresh water of South America. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a slender, scaleless, greyish body with three pairs of very long barbels and an adipose fin. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it searches over sand and mud of rivers and streams for insect larvae, small 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 Silver antenna catfish?
The Silver antenna catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Silver antenna catfish live?
The Silver antenna catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Argentina, Brazil
How big does the Silver antenna catfish get?
The Silver antenna catfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Silver antenna catfish dangerous to humans?
The Silver antenna 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.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Silver antenna catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Silver antenna 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 Pimelodus
More from the family Pimelodidae
Want the complete picture on the Silver antenna catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Silver antenna catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.