Asterophysus batrachus

(Kner, 1858)

Vernacular names

English : Gulper catfish
French : Poisson-chat ogre

Classification

Class : Teleostei
Order : Siluriformes
Family : Auchenipteridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification

Adults can reach up to 25 cm in length. Head fitted with very small eyes and huge mouth. Belly often round making the fish almost looking deformed. Coloration blackish-brown with white belly and underside.

Range and habitat

This species occurs in South America and is found around the Orinoco river and Rio Negro river basins. Lives in black water areas over sandy bottoms with aquatic vegetation nearby.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species’ status hasn’t been assessed but it seems that it’s at least locally common within its range. Might be vulnerable to water pollution.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation