Fin's Fish Guide
The Keeled armoured catfish (Oxyropsis carinata) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The keeled armoured catfish is a small armoured suckermouth catfish from the middle and upper Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender body armoured with bony plates and a sucker mouth on the underside with which it scrapes algae and growth from stones and wood. As a bottom-dweller the fish lives in tropical fresh water. It is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Keeled armoured catfish?
The Keeled armoured catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Armoured with bony plates; sucker mouth for scraping algae
Where does the Keeled armoured catfish live?
The Keeled armoured catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Amazon basin
How big does the Keeled armoured catfish get?
The Keeled armoured catfish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Keeled armoured catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Keeled armoured 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 Keeled armoured catfish edible?
The Keeled armoured catfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Loricariidae
Want the complete picture on the Keeled armoured catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Keeled armoured catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.