SCOTCAT.COM
your internet guide to all things catfish
Pimelodus punctatus (Meek & Hildebrand, 1913) |
Image contributors to this species: |
Steven Grant (1) |
ScotCat Sources: |
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Other Sources: |
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Relevant Information: |
Description: Similar looking to P. maculatus but P. punctatus has no spots on the head and the body markings are more elongated than spotted, such as in a blotched pattern. Not seen to often in the hobby. Aquarium Care: Quite a pretty looking member of the Pimelodidae family which could probably grow quite large for your average community tank so would need a tank of at least 4' 0"(120cm) long. Provide hiding places for this 'pim' and you will be able to see it on the odd occasions when food is introduced. Peaceful species but not to be trusted with small fish such as tetras as they will pick them of at night on their forays. Diet: Most aquarium fare such as tablet, flake, worm and frozen foods. Etymology: The specific name punctatus: From the Latin punctatus = 'spotted'. |
Common Name: |
None |
Synonyms: |
Megalonema punctatum, Megalonema robustum |
Family: |
Pimelodidae |
Distribution: |
Central America: Panama, Tuira River basin. Type locality: Río Tuyra, Boca de Cupe, Panama. |
Size: |
- |
Temp: |
20-24°C (67-75°F) |
p.H. |
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6.5-7.5. |
IUCN Red List |
Pimelodus punctatus is distributed from the Tuira River drainage in eastern Panama southward throughout the Atrato and Baudó river drainages in Colombia. Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is estimated to be 23,682 km2. Total population size is unknown. Population trend is suspected to be in decline but the rate of decline is unknown. Mining activities and associated pollution are having an inferred decline in habitat quality throughout much of the Atrato River basin. However, these threats are probably having localised impacts, and therefore the number of threat-based locations where this species occurs is suspected to be greater than 10 and fewer than 20. Additional potential threats include land-use changes and deforestation associated with agricultural expansion and development adjacent to roadways. Given a relatively restricted range, documented habitat decline, but a number of locations that is outside the threshold for a threatened category, this species is assessed as Least Concern. Further study on the the scope and magnitude of exiting threats is needed, and may qualify this species for a higher category of extinction risk, (IUCN 2020). |
Reference: |
Ferraris, C.J. Jr.,
2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes:
Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary
types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628. |
Family: Pimelodidae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails |
Pimelodus punctatus |
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