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Japanese torrent catfish (Liobagrus reinii) — Amblycipitidae

Japanese torrent catfish

Liobagrus reinii
LC · Least Concern

The Japanese torrent catfish (Liobagrus reinii) is a freshwater fish of the family Amblycipitidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Japanese torrent catfish is a small catfish of the torrent catfish family (Amblycipitidae) from Japan. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a stocky, naked, yellow-brown body with barbels and an adipose fin. It lives in fast-flowing, clear mountain brooks and rivers, where by day it hides under cobbles, boulders and in crevices. As a nocturnal bottom searcher it feeds on insect larvae and small invertebrates. The pectoral and dorsal spines bear venom; a sting gives a painful wound, so handle the fish with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Japanese torrent catfish?

The Japanese torrent catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Japanese torrent catfish live?

The Japanese torrent catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Japanese torrent catfish get?

The Japanese torrent catfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Japanese torrent catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Japanese torrent catfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Japanese torrent catfish edible?

The Japanese torrent catfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Japanse bergbeekmeerval sourced
English name
Japanese torrent catfish sourced
Scientific name
Liobagrus reinii
Family
Amblycipitidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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 Liobagrus

More from the family Amblycipitidae

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