Fin's Fish Guide
The Whiptail catfish (Mastiglanis asopos) is a freshwater fish of the family Heptapteridae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
The whiptail catfish is a small three-barbeled catfish (Heptapteridae) from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a slender, pale, partly translucent body with extraordinarily long, whip-like barbels. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it faces the current on sand bottoms by day and catches drifting insect larvae and small crustaceans at night. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whiptail catfish?
The Whiptail catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.
Where does the Whiptail catfish live?
The Whiptail catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, Venezuela
How big does the Whiptail catfish get?
The Whiptail catfish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Whiptail catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the 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.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Whiptail catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whiptail catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Heptapteridae
Want the complete picture on the Whiptail catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whiptail catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.