The Highwaterman catfish (''Hypophthalmus edentatus''), is a
species
In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...
of pelagic potamodromous
catfish
Catfish (or catfishes; order Siluriformes or Nematognathi) are a diverse group of ray-finned fish. Named for their prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers, catfish range in size and behavior from the three largest species alive, ...
of the family
Pimelodidae
The Pimelodidae, commonly known as the long-whiskered catfishes, are a family of catfishes ( order Siluriformes).
Taxonomy
The family Pimelodidae has undergone much revision. Currently, it contains about 30 genera and about 90 recognized and kno ...
that is native to Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, northern Brazil and Gulf of Paria.
Description
It grows to a length of 57.5 cm. It has no teeth but possesses many long gill rakers and three long barbels.
Body elongated with less depressed head. Caudal fin triangular. Lateral line complete and scales absent on skin. Dorsum light grey with steely blue cast. Ventral sides yellowish and whitish below. Barbels light grey.
Distribution
It inhabits Amazon and Orinoco River basins and Atlantic coastal rivers of Guyana and Suriname. It is also found in
Paraná River
The Paraná River ( es, Río Paraná, links=no , pt, Rio Paraná, gn, Ysyry Parana) is a river in south-central South America, running through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina for some ."Parana River". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Br ...
.
Ecology
It lives in soft muddy bottoms and are filter feeders. It feeds on crustaceans like debris, cladocerans, copepods and ostracods.
Expected life span in aquarium is 16-17 years.
References
External links
Age and growth of Hypophthalmus edentatus (Spix), (Siluriformes, Hypophthalmidae) in the Itaipu Reservoir, Paraná, Brazil
{{Taxonbar, from=Q2889729
Pimelodidae
Catfish of South America
Fish described in 1829