whalelike catfish

The term "whalelike catfish" refers to fish belonging to the family Cetopsidae. These are a group of fish found in South America that are characterized by their naked bodies, lacking the bony plates common in many other catfish species.1

Catfish, in general, are a diverse order of fish (Siluriformes) known for their prominent barbels, or "whiskers," around their mouths. They inhabit various environments, with most living in freshwater and some in marine settings. Catfish are often bottom-dwellers and are typically nocturnal scavengers, feeding on a wide range of animal and plant matter. Their sizes vary greatly, from a few centimeters to several meters in length. Some catfish species are popular aquarium fish, while many larger ones are edible and consumed as food.2