NAS - Species FactSheet

NAS - Nonindigenous Aquatic Species

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Sorubimichthys planiceps (Spix and Agassiz, 1829)

Common Name: firewood catfish

Synonyms and Other Names: Shovelnose catfish

Taxonomy: available through

Identification:

This large size leatherskin catfish can reach more than 1.5 m (4.9 ft). The body is extremely elongated and round, with a flat head and round snout proportionally larger than the rest of the body – adorned with long barbels. Coloration is dark gray, which a long narrow clear section extending from the pectoral to the caudal fins. Typically the dorsal region and fins are covered with dark spots.

Native Range: Native to the Amazon and Orinoco River basins (FishBase 2005).

Interactive maps: Continental US, Hawaii, Puerto Rico

Nonindigenous Occurrences: A pond near San Francisco Bay in California (Guerrin 2004; pers. comm.).

Ecology: Mainly nocturnal. Feeds primarily on nekton (FishBase 2005).

They live on the river's bed, for the most part consuming fish. They undergo a reproductive migration and spawn at the beginning of the flood season.

Means of Introduction: Aquarium release.

Status: Reported from California.

Impact of Introduction: Unknown.

Remarks:

References

Other Resources:

http://www.thejump.net/id/firewood-catfish.htm (photo of the fish caught)

http://www.raubwelse.de/galerie/raubwelse/rw018.htm (photo)

FishBase Fact Sheet

Author:

Revision Date: 5/2/2005

Citation for this information:
United States Geological Survey. 2009. Sorubimichthys planiceps. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL.
<http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?speciesID=2565> Revision Date: 5/2/2005

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U.S. Department of the Interior \| U.S. Geological Survey Page Contact Information: Pam Fuller - NAS Program URL: <http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?speciesID=2565> This File (/queries/FactSheet.asp) Last Modified On: 8/11/2008 1:36:47 PM