Home · Pseudopimelodidae · Dwarf marbled catfish
Dwarf marbled catfish (Microglanis poecilus) — Pseudopimelodidae

Dwarf marbled catfish

Microglanis poecilus
LC · Least Concern

The Dwarf marbled catfish (Microglanis poecilus) is a freshwater fish of the family Pseudopimelodidae that grows up to 7 cm.

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

Description

The bumblebee catfish is a small South American catfish of the family Pseudopimelodidae from the north of the continent. The species grows to only about 7 cm and has a stocky body with a conspicuous brown-yellow bumblebee pattern, to which the name refers, and barbels. It lives in creeks with little current, on bottoms covered with decaying leaves and wood, where it hides by day. As a nocturnal bottom searcher it feeds on small invertebrates and insect larvae. The stout pectoral spines can prick, so careful handling is advised. The species is popular in the aquarium.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf marbled catfish?

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

Where does the Dwarf marbled catfish live?

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

How big does the Dwarf marbled catfish get?

The Dwarf marbled catfish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Dwarf marbled catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf marbled catfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Dwarf marbled catfish edible?

The Dwarf marbled catfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bonte dwergmeerval sourced
English name
Dwarf marbled catfish verified
Scientific name
Microglanis poecilus
Family
Pseudopimelodidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.9 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled 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
Sand / mud 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 Microglanis

More from the family Pseudopimelodidae

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