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Typical sand catfish (Doumea typica) — Amphiliidae

Typical sand catfish

Doumea typica
Family: Amphiliidae
LC · Least Concern

The Typical sand catfish (Doumea typica) is a freshwater fish of the family Amphiliidae that grows up to 22 cm.

Length
22 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Doumea typica is an African catfish of the family Amphiliidae from fresh water of Central and West Africa. The species has a strongly elongate, slender body with a flattened front and barbels around the mouth, and reaches about 22 cm. It is adapted to fast-flowing, rocky rivers and streams, where it presses against stones and searches the bottom for small invertebrates and insect larvae. Unlike many catfishes this family lacks strong serrated fin spines, making the species harmless to handle. Little detailed information is available on its precise reproduction and lifespan.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Typical sand catfish?

The Typical sand catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Typical sand catfish live?

The Typical sand catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Typical sand catfish get?

The Typical sand catfish grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Typical sand catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Typical sand catfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Typical sand catfish edible?

The Typical sand catfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Naaldzandmeerval sourced
English name
Typical sand catfish sourced
Scientific name
Doumea typica
Family
Amphiliidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Doumea

More from the family Amphiliidae

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