Helogenes marmoratus Günther, 1863
photo by Sazima, I.

Family:  Cetopsidae (Whale catfishes), subfamily: Helogeninae
Max. size:  7.9 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 7; dH range: 15
Distribution:  South America: Atlantic drainages of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, upper Río Orinoco and Río Negro systems in Venezuela, and Amazon Basin in Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  A typical inhabitant of black or clear waters, usually in forest streams with moderate to swift current flow over firm sand or gravel bottoms (Ref. 7462). Lives hidden under plants, litter or plant debris. Can easily be mistaken as a piece of dead wood when it rests on its side, motionless on the bottom. Often swims on one side in undulating movements (Ref. 35381). Feeds mainly on terrestrial insects, particularly ants (Ref. 7462). Nocturnal (Ref. 6868).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 20 October 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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