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Mekong torrent catfish (Amblyceps foratum) — Amblycipitidae

Mekong torrent catfish

Amblyceps foratum

The Mekong torrent catfish (Amblyceps foratum) is a freshwater fish of the family Amblycipitidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Can cause injury
Range
Asia: Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand

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Description

The Mekong torrent catfish is a small torrent catfish (Amblycipitidae) from fast-flowing fresh water of the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a stocky, scaleless, yellow-brown body with barbels and a slightly notched tail. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it shelters by day among stones and gravel and searches for insect larvae and small invertebrates at night. The pectoral and dorsal spines can cause a painful puncture wound; handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Mekong torrent catfish?

The Mekong torrent catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.

Where does the Mekong torrent catfish live?

The Mekong torrent catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand

How big does the Mekong torrent catfish get?

The Mekong torrent catfish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Mekong torrent catfish dangerous to humans?

The Mekong torrent catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. Handle the fish carefully; the pectoral and dorsal spines can give a painful puncture wound. Rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. For persistent pain immerse the part in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45C), and check tetanus status for a deep wound or infection.

More photos

Mekong torrent catfish (Amblyceps foratum) — Amblycipitidae — 2
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Mekong torrent catfish (Amblyceps foratum) — Amblycipitidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) MOHAMMAD HAZIQ BIN SABRI, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Mekong torrent catfish (Amblyceps foratum) — Amblycipitidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) muangpaisuetrong, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Mekong torrent catfish (Amblyceps foratum) — Amblycipitidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) muangpaisuetrong, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Mekong torrent catfish sourced
Scientific name
Amblyceps foratum
Family
Amblycipitidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.

For anglers

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

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified
First aid
Handle the fish carefully; the pectoral and dorsal spines can give a painful puncture wound. Rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. For persistent pain immerse the part in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45C), and check tetanus status for a deep wound or infection. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Amblyceps

More from the family Amblycipitidae

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