SCOTCAT.COM

your internet guide to all things catfish

Cetopsidae

Cetopsidae Commonly known as "Whale Catfishes" because of the origin of the first name Cetopis, meaning "looks like a whale". Three pairs of barbels (no nasals); no adipose fin; swim bladder highly reduced and enclosed in bony capsule; dorsal fin far forward; anal fin with 20-29 rays. Five genera, Cetopsis, Cetopsidium, Denticetopsis, Helegenes and Paracetopsis.

There are 43 described species (2025) in this family and they are not too popular in the hobby due to their inactivity in the aquarium. One member of this genus the "Candiru" is a voracious predator on other wounded fish in its habitat, burying into the flesh of the animal.

COMMON NAMES
Scientific Names > Common Names > Synonyms > Image Contributors

Blind Whale Catfish

Dwarf Wood Cat

Whale Cat

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Scientific Names

Common Names

Synonyms

Image Contributors

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