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.