Cetopsis coecutiens

(Lichtenstein, 1819)

Vernacular names
English : Baby whale catfish
French : Poisson-chat baleine bleu

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Siluriformes
Family : Cetopsidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Body length up to 26.5 cm. Cylindrical body shape, short round head with small mouth and very small eyes. Triangular dorsal fin. Body color silvery with a dark blue tinge on back. Tail reddish.

Range and habitat
South America, occurs in Amazon, Orinoco and Tocantins river bassins. Lives in rivers with strong water current, in open water areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species’ status hasn’t been assessed but it’s said to be locally common in its large range.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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