Fin's Fish Guide
The False spotted catfish (Corydoras leucomelas) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Description
The false spotted corydoras is a small armoured catfish from the western Amazon basin in Peru, Colombia and Brazil. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a light body with fine spots, a dark eye band and a dark dorsal-fin blotch; rows of bony plates armour the flank. As a bottom-dweller it searches the soft bottom in schools for small invertebrates and can breathe air through its gut. The fish is harmless to humans, popular in the aquarium trade and assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the False spotted catfish?
The False spotted catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly white and shows a spots pattern. Bony armour, eye band and dorsal fin blotch; can breathe air through the gut
Where does the False spotted catfish live?
The False spotted catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Amazon basin
How big does the False spotted catfish get?
The False spotted catfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the False spotted catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the False spotted 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 False spotted catfish edible?
The False spotted catfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Corydoras
More from the family Callichthyidae
Want the complete picture on the False spotted catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the False spotted catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.