The Thorny catfish (Doras carinatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Doradidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
Doras carinatus is a thorny catfish (family Doradidae) of northern South America. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a scaleless body with a row of 33 to 35 bony, thorny plates along the lateral line, a pointed, laterally compressed head and an inferior mouth. It carries a pair of branched maxillary barbels and four short mandibular barbels. The fish lives demersally in fresh and brackish water. With its pectoral-fin spines it can produce sounds. Its diet indicates a herbivorous to omnivorous habit. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Thorny catfish?
The Thorny catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Thorny catfish live?
The Thorny catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Thorny catfish get?
The Thorny catfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Thorny catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Thorny catfish is harmless to humans.
Is the Thorny catfish edible?
The 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
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