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Bandtail pencil catfish (Trichomycterus caudofasciatus) — Trichomycteridae

Bandtail pencil catfish

Trichomycterus caudofasciatus

The Bandtail pencil catfish (Trichomycterus caudofasciatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Trichomycteridae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil

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Description

The Bandtail pencil catfish is a pencil catfish (Trichomycteridae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of the Andes of South America. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a very slender, almost scaleless, yellow-brown body with small barbels and spinelets on the gill cover. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it creeps and wriggles among gravel, sand and stones of mountain streams and snaps at insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bandtail pencil catfish?

The Bandtail pencil catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Bandtail pencil catfish live?

The Bandtail pencil catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil

How big does the Bandtail pencil catfish get?

The Bandtail pencil catfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Bandtail pencil catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bandtail pencil 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Bandtail pencil catfish sourced
Scientific name
Trichomycterus caudofasciatus
Family
Trichomycteridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Straight
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
No
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

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

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 Trichomycterus

More from the family Trichomycteridae

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