Fin's Fish Guide
The Demerara thorny catfish (Doras micropoeus) is a freshwater fish of the family Doradidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Description
The Demerara thorny catfish is an armoured catfish from northern South America, known from the Essequibo, Demerara and Corantijn and possibly other coastal rivers to the mouth of the Amazon. It grows to about 35 cm and has a row of bony, hook-bearing plates along the flank, characteristic of the thorny catfishes. Around the mouth it carries barbels. A bottom-dweller, it searches tropical fresh water for food and eats mainly organic matter and small bottom animals. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Demerara thorny catfish?
The Demerara thorny catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Row of bony flank plates set with hooks; barbels
Where does the Demerara thorny catfish live?
The Demerara thorny catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northern South America
How big does the Demerara thorny catfish get?
The Demerara thorny catfish grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Demerara thorny catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Demerara thorny catfish 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.
Is the Demerara thorny catfish edible?
The Demerara thorny catfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Doras
More from the family Doradidae
Want the complete picture on the Demerara thorny catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Demerara thorny catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.