The Bandtail pencil catfish (Trichomycterus caudofasciatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Trichomycteridae that grows up to 5 cm.
Description
The Bandtail pencil catfish is a pencil catfish (Trichomycteridae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of the Andes of South America. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a very slender, almost scaleless, yellow-brown body with small barbels and spinelets on the gill cover. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it creeps and wriggles among gravel, sand and stones of mountain streams and snaps at insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bandtail pencil catfish?
The Bandtail pencil catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly yellow-gold.
Where does the Bandtail pencil catfish live?
The Bandtail pencil catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Bandtail pencil catfish get?
The Bandtail pencil catfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Bandtail pencil catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Bandtail pencil catfish is harmless to humans.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Trichomycterus
More from the family Trichomycteridae
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