Gulper catfish, also known as Ogre Catfish, is a type of catfish from the Auchenipteridae family.
It comes from the Rio Negro and Orinoco basins in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. You can mostly find them in slow-moving waters with lots of underwater structures.
There is only one recognized species in the Asterophysus genus right now.
But there may be another unidentified species that was found about 750 miles away from the usual range.
People who live near its habitat don’t usually eat this fish because they think it’s ugly. However, some people keep these fish in aquariums for display purposes.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Gulper Catfish Interesting Facts
- Found in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela’s Rio Negro and Orinoco basins.
- Thrives in slow-moving waters with underwater structures.
- Only one recognized species, but another unidentified species may exist.
- Grows up to 9.8 inches (25.0 centimeters) long with a dark-colored body and white belly.
Gulper Catfish Habitat
Gulper catfish lives in South America, specifically in the Orinoco and Negro River basins.
It prefers freshwater environments near the bottom and thrives in warm, tropical waters.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Gulper Catfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 9.8 inches (25.0 centimeters)
Gulper catfish grows up to a maximum length of 9.8 inches (25.0 centimeters).
This fish is dark-colored with a white belly. Its body is also short and stocky.
Gulper Catfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Auchenipteridae |
| Genus: | Asterophysus |
| Scientific Name: | Asterophysus batrachus |
| Also Known As: | Gulper Catfish, Ogre Catfish |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |