Fin's Fish Guide
The Sturgeon thorny catfish (Leptodoras acipenserinus) is a freshwater fish of the family Doradidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The sturgeon thorny catfish is a thorny catfish (Doradidae) from large rivers of the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, silver-grey body with a pointed, slightly sturgeon-like snout, long fringed barbels and a row of bony, thorned plates along the flank. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it sifts over sand and mud for insect larvae, small crustaceans and detritus. The stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sturgeon thorny catfish?
The Sturgeon thorny catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Sturgeon thorny catfish live?
The Sturgeon thorny catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, Ecuador, Peru
How big does the Sturgeon thorny catfish get?
The Sturgeon thorny catfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Sturgeon thorny catfish dangerous to humans?
The Sturgeon thorny catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. For a cut or puncture from a sharp fin spine: 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.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Leptodoras
More from the family Doradidae
Want the complete picture on the Sturgeon thorny catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sturgeon thorny catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.