Firewood Catfish, also known as the Shovelnose Catfish, is a type of catfish found in South America.
Its scientific name is Sorubimichthys planiceps. This fish is unique and is the only one in its group called Sorubimichthys.
People living near the Amazon River call this fish “peixe-lenha.” It’s named Firewood Catfish because it doesn’t taste delicious.
So instead of eating it, people often dry it and use it as firewood.
Firewood catfish is mostly active at night and likes to eat small swimming animals (nekton).
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Firewood Catfish Interesting Facts
- Firewood catfish is a species of South American catfish that is called peixe-lenha by the locals because it is commonly used for firewood rather than being eaten.
- It belongs to a unique genus called Sorubimichthys and is the only member in its group.
- This species primarily feeds on nekton, which includes any aquatic creatures that swim freely like fish, squid, or jellyfish.
- Firewood catfish are mainly active during the night and hunt their prey under the cover of darkness.
Firewood Catfish Habitat
Firewood catfish is a species of freshwater fish found in the Amazon and Orinoco River basins in South America.
It lives on or near the riverbeds and prefers warm tropical waters.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Firewood Catfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 59.1 inches (150 centimeters)
Firewood catfish is one of the largest freshwater fish species.
The maximum length of this fish is 59.1 inches (150 centimeters) when measured from the snout to the base of the tail.
Firewood Catfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Pimelodidae |
| Genus: | Sorubimichthys |
| Scientific Name: | Sorubimichthys planiceps |
| Also Known As: | Firewood Catfish, Shovelnose Catfish |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |