Slender Shovelnose Catfish

Laterally positioned eyes, visible dorsally and ventrally; in adults, the diameter is 2.2-3.3 times into interorbital width. Inner mental barbels usually posterior to gular apex, rarely even with it, and never reaching fleshy margin of opercle. Outer mental barbels longer, extending beyond the origin of pectoral fins. Maxillary barbels variable in length, extending to pelvic fins or beyond. Pelvic fins when depressed reaching approximately halfway from anus to anal-fin origin.

Dorsal soft rays (total): 6; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 20 - 25; Vertebrae: 44 - 46

Collected from both white and black waters; found in floodplain lakes, small creeks (or caños) to large rivers and tidal rivers; on sand, mud, and clay substrates associated with vegetation (e.g. tall reeds, emergent grasses, and root masses of stream-side trees). Apparently nocturnal and hide in groups along stream margins during the day (Ref. 40631).

fisheries: subsistence fisheries; aquarium: commercial