Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotted thorny catfish (Ossancora punctata) is a freshwater fish of the family Doradidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
The spotted thorny catfish is a thorny or talking catfish (Doradidae) from fresh water of the Amazon and Paraguay basins in South America. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a stocky, grey-brown body with fine dark spots, barbels and a row of stout, thorny bony plates along the flank, plus serrated pectoral spines. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it searches for molluscs, insect larvae and detritus. The sharp spines and thorny plates can inflict a wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotted thorny catfish?
The Spotted thorny catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Spotted thorny catfish live?
The Spotted thorny catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
How big does the Spotted thorny catfish get?
The Spotted thorny catfish grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Spotted thorny catfish dangerous to humans?
The Spotted thorny catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. For a cut or puncture from a sharp fin spine or bony plate: rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Check that no spine fragment remains and watch for signs of infection; for a deep wound update tetanus protection.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ossancora
More from the family Doradidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotted thorny catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotted thorny catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.