Sorubim sp. (unidentified shovelnose catfish) Fishes Exotic
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Common name: unidentified shovelnose catfish
Taxonomy: available through
www.itis.gov
Identification: The genus is currently recognized to have five species. Sorubim spp. are distinguished from other members of the family Pimelodidae by the combination of a shovel-like, projecting upper jaw, laterally set eyes, and a distinct dark stripe running the entire length of the fish (Littmann et al. 2000, 2001b). Sorubim spp. are similar in morphology and multiple species often occupy the same river basins. Thus they have historically been somewhat difficult to discriminate. Two species (S. elongatus, S. maniradii) have only recently been described (Littmann et al. 2001a, b).
Size: The largest species (Sorubim cuspicaudus) may grow to 80 cm SL.
Native Range: Tropical and subtropical South America, including the freshwater drainage basins of the Amazon, Essequibo, Magdalena, Maracaibo, Orinoco, Parana and Sinu rivers (Littmann et al. 2001a).
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Alaska |
Hawaii |
Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands |
Guam Saipan |
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps
Nonindigenous Occurrences:
Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Sorubim sp. are found here.
Table last updated 3/28/2024
† Populations may not be currently present.
Ecology: Sorubim spp. are found throughout most of the freshwater drainage basins in tropical and subtropical South America (e.g., Amazon, Essequibo, Orinoco, Maracaibo, Magdalena, Paraná) in both still and flowing waters, generally associated with plant cover (Littmann et al. 2001a). Shovelnose catfishes are important locally in subsistence and commercial fisheries; they are exported as aquarium fishes to the United States, Europe and Japan (Littmann et al. 2001a).
Means of Introduction: Aquarium release.
Status: Failed in Minnesota.
Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.
References: (click for full references)
Littmann, M. W., B. M. Burr and P. Nass. 2000.
Sorubim cuspicaudus, a new long-whiskered catfish from northwestern South America (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae). Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 113: 900-917.
Littmann, M. W., B. M. Burr and U. A. Buitrago-Suarez. 2001a. A new cryptic species of Sorubim Cuvier (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) from the upper and middle Amazon Basin. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 151: 87-93.
Littmann, M. W., B. M. Burr, R. E. Schmidt and E. R. Isern. 2001b. Sorubim elongatus, a new species of catfish (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) from tropical South America syntopic with S. lima. Ichthyological Explorations of Freshwaters 12: 1-16.
Other Resources:
FishBase Summary
Author:
Schofield, P.J.
Revision Date: 5/9/2019
Peer Review Date: 6/7/2012
Citation Information:
Schofield, P.J., 2024, Sorubim sp. Cuvier, 1829: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=2578, Revision Date: 5/9/2019, Peer Review Date: 6/7/2012, Access Date: 3/28/2024
This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.