Fin's Fish Guide
The Whitespotted talking catfish (Agamyxis pectinifrons) is a freshwater fish of the family Doradidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The whitespotted talking catfish is a thorny catfish (Doradidae) from slow-flowing fresh water of the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a sturdy, dark body with white spots, a row of bony, thorned plates along the flank and strong barbels; by vibrating its swim bladder it makes a grunting sound. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it shelters by day under wood and roots and searches at night for snails, insect larvae and detritus. The stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whitespotted talking catfish?
The Whitespotted talking catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a spots pattern. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Whitespotted talking catfish live?
The Whitespotted talking catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
How big does the Whitespotted talking catfish get?
The Whitespotted talking catfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Whitespotted talking catfish dangerous to humans?
The Whitespotted talking 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.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Whitespotted talking catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whitespotted talking catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Agamyxis
More from the family Doradidae
Want the complete picture on the Whitespotted talking catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whitespotted talking catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.