Fin's Fish Guide
The Whiptail catfish (Rineloricaria phoxocephala) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The whiptail catfish is a strongly elongate, armoured suckermouth catfish from the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a thin body armoured with bony plates, a mottled brown camouflage colour, a sucker mouth on the underside and a thread-like extended tail. As a bottom-dweller it scrapes algae and growth from stones and wood and can breathe air through its gut. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whiptail catfish?
The Whiptail catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Slender armoured body with a thread-like tail; sucker mouth for scraping algae
Where does the Whiptail catfish live?
The Whiptail catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Amazon basin
How big does the Whiptail catfish get?
The Whiptail catfish grows to a maximum of about 15 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.
Is the Whiptail catfish edible?
The Whiptail catfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Rineloricaria
More from the family Loricariidae
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.