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Darkspotted aspidoras (Aspidoras fuscoguttatus) — Callichthyidae

Darkspotted aspidoras

Aspidoras fuscoguttatus

The Darkspotted aspidoras (Aspidoras fuscoguttatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Peru

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Description

The Darkspotted aspidoras is a small armoured catfish (Callichthyidae) from fresh water of eastern Brazil. The species grows to about 3.8 cm and has a stocky body with two rows of bony plates along the flank and short barbels. The light-brown body is scattered with dark spots. As a bottom-dweller it roots in groups through soft sand and leaf litter in search of small invertebrates, larvae and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Darkspotted aspidoras?

The Darkspotted aspidoras has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Darkspotted aspidoras live?

The Darkspotted aspidoras lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Brazil, Peru

How big does the Darkspotted aspidoras get?

The Darkspotted aspidoras grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Darkspotted aspidoras dangerous to humans?

No, the Darkspotted aspidoras is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Darkspotted aspidoras (Aspidoras fuscoguttatus) — Callichthyidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Jean Martins, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Darkspotted aspidoras (Aspidoras fuscoguttatus) — Callichthyidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Jean Martins, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Darkspotted aspidoras (Aspidoras fuscoguttatus) — Callichthyidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Douglas Ribeiro, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Darkspotted aspidoras sourced
Scientific name
Aspidoras fuscoguttatus
Family
Callichthyidae
Other names
Darkspotted catfish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Peru sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Aspidoras

More from the family Callichthyidae

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