Fin's Fish Guide
The Threadfin dwarf catfish (Imparfinis nemacheir) is a freshwater fish of the family Heptapteridae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The Threadfin dwarf catfish is a long-whiskered catfish (Heptapteridae) from clear, flowing streams and rivers of the Amazon basin in South America. 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 Threadfin dwarf catfish?
The Threadfin 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 Threadfin dwarf catfish live?
The Threadfin dwarf catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Colombia, Peru, Venezuela
How big does the Threadfin dwarf catfish get?
The Threadfin dwarf catfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Threadfin dwarf catfish dangerous to humans?
The Threadfin 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 Threadfin dwarf catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Threadfin dwarf catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.