Fin's Fish Guide
The Striped dwarf catfish (Pimelodella lateristriga) is a freshwater fish of the family Heptapteridae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The Striped dwarf catfish is a long-whiskered catfish (Heptapteridae) 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 Striped dwarf catfish?
The Striped dwarf 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 Striped dwarf catfish live?
The Striped dwarf catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil
How big does the Striped dwarf catfish get?
The Striped dwarf catfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Striped dwarf catfish dangerous to humans?
The Striped 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.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pimelodella
More from the family Heptapteridae
Want the complete picture on the Striped dwarf catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Striped dwarf catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.