Manduba (Ageneiosus inermis)

Scientific name: Ageneiosus inermis Linnaeus, 1766

The Manduba (Ageneiosus inermis) is a freshwater fish of the family Auchenipteridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–24°C (72–75°F). Native range: South America, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Suriname, and Venezuela. Reported from Uruguay.

Manduba care at a glance

Temperature: 22–24°C (72–75°F)

Biology

Anal soft rays: 34 - 40; Vertebrae: 46 - 51. Body naked and elongated. Head is pointed and depressed at the top. Mouth is big and wide. The lateral eyes are situated along the level of the mouth, ensuring a vision above and below. Exhibits sexual dimorphism, like A. dentatus. The first ray of the dorsal fin is very long and has pointed spines.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Ageneiosus inermis
Family: Auchenipteridae (Driftwood catfishes)
Order: Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 59.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.5 - 7.8; dH range: ? - 20 pelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Suriname, and Venezuela. Reported from Uruguay.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Assuming tm=2-4, Fec>1000)