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Snouted whiptail catfish (Loricariichthys rostratus) — Loricariidae

Snouted whiptail catfish

Loricariichthys rostratus
Family: Loricariidae

The Snouted whiptail catfish (Loricariichthys rostratus) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 28 cm.

Length
27.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay

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Description

The Snouted whiptail catfish is a whiptail catfish (Loricariidae) from fresh water of the Parana and Uruguay basin in South America. The species grows to about 22 cm and has an elongate, flat, bony-plated, sandy body tapering into a thin, whip-like tail, and an inferior sucker mouth. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried in sand and fine gravel and rasps algae, biofilm and detritus; the male often carries the eggs under his belly. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Snouted whiptail catfish?

The Snouted whiptail catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Snouted whiptail catfish live?

The Snouted whiptail catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay

How big does the Snouted whiptail catfish get?

The Snouted whiptail catfish grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.

Is the Snouted whiptail catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Snouted whiptail 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Snouted whiptail catfish sourced
Scientific name
Loricariichthys rostratus
Family
Loricariidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
27.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Algae and plant material inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
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 Loricariichthys

More from the family Loricariidae

Fin

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