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Sucker-throat catfish (Pseudecheneis sulcata) — Sisoridae

Sucker-throat catfish

Pseudecheneis sulcata
Family: Sisoridae

The Sucker-throat catfish (Pseudecheneis sulcata) is a freshwater fish of the family Sisoridae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Can cause injury

Description

The sucker-throat catfish is a sisorid catfish (Sisoridae) from fast-flowing, cold Himalayan rivers of South Asia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a flattened, brown body with barbels and a pleated adhesive organ on the chest with which it clings to rocks in strong current. As a bottom-dweller it searches among stones for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The stout pectoral spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sucker-throat catfish?

The Sucker-throat catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Sucker-throat catfish live?

The Sucker-throat catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Sucker-throat catfish get?

The Sucker-throat catfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Sucker-throat catfish dangerous to humans?

The Sucker-throat catfish can cause injury; handle it with care.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sucker-keel-bergmeerval sourced
English name
Sucker-throat catfish sourced
Scientific name
Pseudecheneis sulcata
Family
Sisoridae
Other names
Sucker throat catfish; Sulcatus catfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
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

More from the family Sisoridae

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