Calophysus macropterus (Lichtenstein, 1819)

Michael Goulding

View records in the observatory View images in the observatory

Common names

• Bolivia: (Common names not yet available)
• Brazil: Fura-calça, Mandi-Moela, Moela, Mulea, Peixe-Galinha
• Colombia: Simí mollejon
• Ecuador: (Common names not yet available)
• Peru: Mota con Puntos

Summary

The cunshi is a medium-sized omnivorous catfish, with migratory movements of between 100 and 1,000 km. It is caught mainly in the Lower Amazon, where 78% of its production is concentrated, and is important as a commercial fishery resource outside the Amazon. However, information on its biology is limited, especially regarding reproduction and habitat characteristics.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Teleostei
• Order: Siluriformes
• Family: Pimelodidae
• Genus: Calophysus
• Taxon category: Species

Distribution

Potential cunshi production is estimated at 980 tonnes. The largest share of catches is concentrated in the Lower Amazon (78%), followed by Tocantins (14%) and the Central Amazon (6%). The species shows a medium-distance migratory pattern, between 100 and 1,000 km.

Threat status

(Insufficient data)

Reproduction

The spawning period is unknown. Little information is currently available on reproductive biology.

Feeding

The cunshi is an omnivorous catfish. Fishers have reported that it is occasionally caught on banks near whitewater river waters.

Habitat

They are found in whitewater, clearwater and blackwater rivers.

Uses, management and conservation

Its presence has been reported on banks near whitewater river waters, where it is occasionally caught. Available information on its ecology and habitat characteristics is still limited.

References

(Not available)