Overview
(Greek) Platys = Broad + (Greek) nema = filament + (Greek) ichthys=fish. The specific name, notatus, means spotted.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Pimelodidae
- Genus
- Platynematichthys
- Species
- notatus
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits large freshwater rivers and floodplains in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, favoring slow-moving waters with muddy or sandy substrates. They are often found in deeper channels and near submerged vegetation, ranging from Venezuela to Brazil in tropical South America.
Diet
The lince catfish feeds mainly on small fish, insects, and crustaceans, scavenging along the river bottom for food. It is primarily nocturnal, using its barbels to detect prey in low-light conditions, and may also consume plant matter or detritus opportunistically.
Behavior
Lince catfish are solitary and nocturnal, spending daylight hours hidden in crevices or under logs to avoid predators. They exhibit territorial behavior around feeding sites and use their sensitive barbels to navigate and forage in turbid waters, often remaining inactive during the day.
Fishing
Anglers targeting the lince catfish in the Amazon and Orinoco River Basins can employ effective bottom fishing techniques, using medium-heavy rods and reels with 20-30 lb test line to handle their potential size and strength, while baiting with live options like small fish, insects, or crustaceans to match their nocturnal scavenging habits. Recommended tackle includes a sensitive rod for detecting subtle bites in murky waters, paired with circle hooks to reduce gut hooking and promote catch-and-release success. The best season is during the rainy months from November to March, when they are more active during spawning, with prime fishing times in the evening or at night to align with their nocturnal behavior; target deeper channels, slow-moving waters with muddy or sandy substrates, and areas near submerged vegetation in large freshwater rivers for the highest success. Record sizes reach up to 120 cm in length and around 15 pounds, though specific IGFA records are not established for this species. These fisheries benefit from angler-funded conservation programs, such as license fees that support habitat restoration in the Amazon, emphasizing catch-and-release practices to maintain healthy populations and ensure sustainable fishing as a key tool for aquatic conservation.
Conservation Status
Listed as Not Evaluated by IUCN.