Fin's Fish Guide
The Bacu pedra (Hassar orestis) is a freshwater fish of the family Doradidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
Orestes' thorny catfish is a thorny catfish (Doradidae) from large rivers of the Amazon basin and the Guianas in South America. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a sturdy, silver-grey body with a pointed snout, long barbels and a row of bony, thorned plates along the flank. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it moves in schools over sand and mud and searches for insect larvae, snails and detritus. The stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bacu pedra?
The Bacu pedra has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Bacu pedra live?
The Bacu pedra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Venezuela
How big does the Bacu pedra get?
The Bacu pedra grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Bacu pedra dangerous to humans?
The Bacu pedra can cause injury; handle it with care. For a cut or puncture from a sharp fin spine: rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Check that no spine fragment remains and watch for signs of infection; for a deep wound update tetanus protection.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Doradidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bacu pedra is one of 12,519 species in the app.