VUVulnerable

Barbudo negro

Batrochoglanis transmontanus

Barbudo negro (Batrochoglanis transmontanus) is a freshwater catfish species endemic to South American river systems, characterized by its dark coloration and barbels that give it its common name meaning 'black bearded one.' This benthic species plays an important ecological role as both predator and scavenger in riverine ecosystems, feeding on invertebrates and organic matter along the substrate.

2

Countries

01Classification

Taxonomy & Classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Order

Siluriformes

Family

Pseudopimelodidae

Genus

Batrochoglanis

Barbudo negro belongs to the family Pseudopimelodidae, order Siluriformes, within the unknown class.

02Description

Species Profile

Barbudo negro (Batrochoglanis transmontanus) is a freshwater catfish species endemic to South American river systems, characterized by its dark coloration and barbels that give it its common name meaning 'black bearded one.' This benthic species plays an important ecological role as both predator and scavenger in riverine ecosystems, feeding on invertebrates and organic matter along the substrate.

Barbudo negro faces significant threats from habitat degradation and water pollution in its native South American river systems. Dam construction and agricultural runoff have altered water quality and flow patterns in the freshwater environments this catfish depends on for survival and reproduction.

Key Facts

IUCN StatusVulnerable (VU)
GroupOther invertebrates
03Habitat

Habitat & Distribution

This freshwater catfish inhabits river systems and tributaries in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, typically found in areas with moderate to fast-flowing waters over sandy or rocky substrates. The species prefers well-oxygenated waters in both main river channels and smaller tributary streams.

FRESHWATERMajor
04Threats

Threats

Habitat degradation from dam construction

HighOngoing

Water pollution from agricultural runoff

HighOngoing

Altered river flow patterns

MediumOngoing

Overfishing pressure

MediumOngoing

Sedimentation from deforestation

MediumOngoing
06Range

Found in 2 Countries

Community

Community Sightings

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07Sources

Sources & Attribution

How to Cite

IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS

GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org

This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Barbudo negro (Batrochoglanis transmontanus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/barbudo-negro

Full citation guide & data usage terms