Fin's Fish Guide
The Mother of snails catfish (Megalodoras uranoscopus) is a freshwater fish of the family Doradidae that grows up to 53 cm.
Description
The mother of snails catfish is a large thorny catfish (Doradidae) from the Amazon basin of South America. The species grows to about 53 cm and has a heavy, dark body with a row of bony, thorny plates along the lateral line and three pairs of barbels. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it lives in large rivers and eats mainly snails and other molluscs, fruit and seeds. It is a local food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mother of snails catfish?
The Mother of snails catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Row of bony thorn plates; snail-eating giant thorny catfish
Where does the Mother of snails catfish live?
The Mother of snails catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Amazon basin
How big does the Mother of snails catfish get?
The Mother of snails catfish grows to a maximum of about 53 cm. On average the species is around 49 cm.
Is the Mother of snails catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Mother of snails 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 Mother of snails catfish edible?
Yes, the Mother of snails catfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
More from the family Doradidae
Want the complete picture on the Mother of snails catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mother of snails catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.