Fin's Fish Guide
The Whale catfish (Cetopsis coecutiens) is a freshwater fish of the family Cetopsidae that grows up to 27 cm.
Description
The whale catfish is a scaleless catfish (Cetopsidae) from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. The species grows to about 27 cm and has a smooth, cylindrical, greyish body with small eyes and short barbels. As a nocturnal scavenger and hunter it swims in turbid rivers and attacks larger or hooked fish, rasping chunks of flesh from them. The fish poses no danger to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whale catfish?
The Whale catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Whale catfish live?
The Whale catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela
How big does the Whale catfish get?
The Whale catfish grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.
Is the Whale catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Whale 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.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cetopsis
More from the family Cetopsidae
Want the complete picture on the Whale catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whale catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.