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Size
3.5 inches (9 cm) -
Diet
Omnivorous benthic feeder -
Range
South America -
Habitat
Amazon River basin
Physical Characteristics
- Maximum size of about 3.5 inches (9 cm).
- The base color of its head and body is grey/brown, the upper half of the body is covered with small black spots, while the lower half is silvery.
- The distinguishing characteristic of the species is its caudal (tail) fin which is strikingly marked with horizontal black and white stripes.
- A pair of barbels are found on each side of its snout.
Animal Fact
The flagtail catfish is a South American freshwater fish occurring in the Amazon River basin.
Diet / Feeding
- Omnivorous- forages on the bottom like most catfish species, though it can also hunt insect larvae and crustaceans from the middle of the water column.
Range / Habitat
- Occurs in South America in the Amazon River basin.
Reproduction & Growth
- Oviparous (egg-laying species).
Conservation Status
- “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.
Additional Information
- In the same family as the familiar corydoras catfishes (Callichthyidae) which can be commonly found in retail aquarium stores.
