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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
Range
Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, India, Nepal, Thailand

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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. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.

Where does the Sucker-throat catfish live?

The Sucker-throat catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, India, Nepal, Thailand

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. For a puncture or cut from a fin spine: rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and remove any visible fragments. Cover and keep clean. For a deep wound, a retained spine or signs of infection see a doctor and check tetanus status.

More photos

Sucker-throat catfish (Pseudecheneis sulcata) — Sisoridae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — C.L. Griesbach (Public domain)

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All data

Identification

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

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, India, Nepal, Thailand sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No
Activity
Nocturnal
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
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified
First aid
For a puncture or cut from a fin spine: rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and remove any visible fragments. Cover and keep clean. For a deep wound, a retained spine or signs of infection see a doctor and check tetanus status. sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Sisoridae

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