Spotted Pim

ANIMAL:
Spotted Pim Pimelodus maculatus

Type of Animal:
Catfish

Habitat:
Shallow flowing river channels/tributaries w/ sandy/muddy substrates, pools, small lakes

Location(s):
Rio Parana & Rio Sao Francisco basins

Appearance:
Small catfish w/ large blotchy spots & very long whiskers, sharp spines/fins, forked tail

Food/Diet:
Aquatic invertebrates

Status in Wild:
Stable

Conservation:
Not applicable

Lifestyle:
Schools of 3-30 fish

Additional Info:

Called:
Male
Female
Young: Fry/Fingerling
Group: School
 
Weight:
2.2 lbs

Gestation:
10 days

Life Span:
6-10 years

Body Length:
4.8-5 in

These fish are migratory traveling large distances to find spawning areas.
 
These fish extremely difficult to breed in captivity.
 
These fish are most active at night (nocturnal).
 
These fish will gorge themselves until they can literally take no more, ending up w/ hugely distended stomachs.
 
Like other catfish, they’re bottom feeders.
 
These fish are fast & agile swimmers.
 
These fish use whiskers/barbels to navigate in different environments.
 
Maturity reached at 8 months old.

Fun Fact(s):
Care should be taken when handling/catching these fish due to rigid pectoral/dorsal spines. These spines can cause painful wounds similar to bee or wasp stings. Toxin not injected into skin but contained in mucus coating spines.
 
Like other catfish, they don’t have scales.

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