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Hognosed brochis (Brochis multiradiatus) — Callichthyidae

Hognosed brochis

Brochis multiradiatus

The Hognosed brochis (Brochis multiradiatus) is a fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

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Description

The hognosed brochis is an armoured dwarf catfish (Callichthyidae) from clear streams of the upper Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, high-backed body with two rows of overlapping bony plates, a conspicuously long, many-rayed dorsal fin, short barbels and an inferior mouth. As a social bottom-dweller it roots through sand in small groups searching for insect larvae, small worms and detritus. The dorsal and pectoral spines are mildly venomous and can give a painful prick when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Hognosed brochis?

The Hognosed brochis is mainly green. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Hognosed brochis live?

The Hognosed brochis is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Hognosed brochis get?

The Hognosed brochis grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Hognosed brochis dangerous to humans?

The Hognosed brochis is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.

More photos

Hognosed brochis (Brochis multiradiatus) — Callichthyidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Ltshears (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Hognosed brochis (Brochis multiradiatus) — Callichthyidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Ltshears (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Hognosed brochis (Brochis multiradiatus) — Callichthyidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — karsten_s (CC BY 4.0)
Hognosed brochis (Brochis multiradiatus) — Callichthyidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) 金千诺一, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Hognosed brochis sourced
Scientific name
Brochis multiradiatus
Family
Callichthyidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
8 inferred
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
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
Special features
Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care. inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status. sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Callichthyidae

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