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Woodcat (Tatia intermedia) — Auchenipteridae

Woodcat

Tatia intermedia

The Woodcat (Tatia intermedia) is a freshwater fish of the family Auchenipteridae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru

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Description

The woodcat is a small driftwood catfish (Auchenipteridae) from fresh water of the Amazon, Orinoco and Guiana region in South America. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a stocky body with a light-and-dark mottled pattern, three pairs of barbels and an adipose fin. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it hides by day in cavities and among wood and hunts insects and small invertebrates at night. Fertilisation is internal. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Woodcat?

The Woodcat has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Woodcat live?

The Woodcat lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru

How big does the Woodcat get?

The Woodcat grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Woodcat dangerous to humans?

No, the Woodcat 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

Woodcat (Tatia intermedia) — Auchenipteridae — 2
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Woodcat (Tatia intermedia) — Auchenipteridae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) M. Afrizal Rizky, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Woodcat (Tatia intermedia) — Auchenipteridae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — AnonymousUnknown author (Public domain)
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All data

Identification

English name
Woodcat sourced
Scientific name
Tatia intermedia
Family
Auchenipteridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Tatia

More from the family Auchenipteridae

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