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Taurus aspidoras (Aspidoras taurus) — Callichthyidae

Taurus aspidoras

Aspidoras taurus

The Taurus aspidoras (Aspidoras taurus) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil

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Description

The Taurus aspidoras is a small armoured catfish (Callichthyidae) from fresh water of northeastern Brazil. The species grows to about 5.4 cm and has a stocky body with two rows of bony plates along the flank and short barbels. As a bottom-dweller it roots in groups through soft sand and leaf litter in search of small invertebrates, larvae and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Taurus aspidoras?

The Taurus aspidoras has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Taurus aspidoras live?

The Taurus aspidoras lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Brazil

How big does the Taurus aspidoras get?

The Taurus aspidoras grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Taurus aspidoras dangerous to humans?

No, the Taurus aspidoras 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.

More photos

Taurus aspidoras (Aspidoras taurus) — Callichthyidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Juan Felipe (CC BY 3.0)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Taurus aspidoras sourced
Scientific name
Aspidoras taurus
Family
Callichthyidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
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 Aspidoras

More from the family Callichthyidae

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