Home · Auchenipteridae · Roman's driftwood catfish
Roman's driftwood catfish (Centromochlus romani) — Auchenipteridae

Roman's driftwood catfish

Centromochlus romani

The Roman's driftwood catfish (Centromochlus romani) is a fish of the family Auchenipteridae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Activity
Nocturnal
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury

Description

The Roman's driftwood catfish is a driftwood catfish (Auchenipteridae) from slow-flowing fresh water of the Orinoco basin in South America. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a sturdy, scaleless, dark body with a broad head, large eyes and stiff barbels. As a nocturnal fish it shelters by day under wood, roots and banks and snaps at insects, crustaceans and small fish. The stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Roman's driftwood catfish?

The Roman's driftwood catfish is mainly brown.

Where does the Roman's driftwood catfish live?

The Roman's driftwood catfish is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Roman's driftwood catfish get?

The Roman's driftwood catfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Roman's driftwood catfish dangerous to humans?

The Roman's driftwood catfish can cause injury; handle it with care.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Romans drijfhoutmeerval sourced
English name
Roman's driftwood catfish sourced
Scientific name
Centromochlus romani
Family
Auchenipteridae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
15 inferred
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Centromochlus

More from the family Auchenipteridae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →