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Linnell's thorny catfish (Leptodoras linnelli) — Doradidae

Linnell's thorny catfish

Leptodoras linnelli
Family: Doradidae
NE · Not Evaluated

The Linnell's thorny catfish (Leptodoras linnelli) is a freshwater fish of the family Doradidae that grows up to 23 cm.

Length
23 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Amazon basin
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Linnell's thorny catfish is a catfish from fresh water of the Amazon basin of South America. The species grows to about 23 cm and has an elongate body with a row of bony, thorned plates along the lateral line and long barbels. As a bottom-dweller it searches in schools over sand and mud bottoms of rivers for small invertebrates and detritus. The thorned plates and fin spines provide protection. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Linnell's thorny catfish?

The Linnell's thorny catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Row of thorny side plates and long barbels; schooling thorny catfish

Where does the Linnell's thorny catfish live?

The Linnell's thorny catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Amazon basin

How big does the Linnell's thorny catfish get?

The Linnell's thorny catfish grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.

Is the Linnell's thorny catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Linnell's 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 Linnell's thorny catfish edible?

The Linnell's thorny catfish is not usually eaten.

Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Linnell's thorny catfish verified
Scientific name
Leptodoras linnelli
Family
Doradidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
23.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Amazon basin verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Schooling bottom thorny catfish; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Row of thorny side plates and long barbels; schooling thorny catfish sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Leptodoras

More from the family Doradidae

Fin

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