Shovelnose catfish
Sorubimichthys planiceps
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewood_catfish
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The shovelnose catfish faces severe pressure from overfishing throughout its Amazon basin range, where it is heavily targeted for commercial fisheries due to its large size and economic value. Dam construction across major tributaries fragments populations and disrupts critical spawning migrations, while deforestation and agricultural runoff degrade water quality in key breeding areas. Mining activities, particularly gold mining, introduce toxic sediments and mercury contamination that bioaccumulate in this long-lived predatory species.
Habitat
This large catfish inhabits the main channels and deep pools of major Amazon basin rivers, particularly the Amazon, Orinoco, and their tributaries. It prefers areas with strong currents and rocky or sandy substrates, undertaking extensive migrations between feeding and spawning grounds.
Other threatened species in Pimelodidae
Threatened in Bolivia
Frequently asked questions
Why is Shovelnose catfish classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Shovelnose catfish live?
What are the main threats to Shovelnose catfish?
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