Ripsaw catfish (Oxydoras niger)

Scientific name: Oxydoras niger Valenciennes, 1821

The Ripsaw catfish (Oxydoras niger) is a freshwater fish of the family Doradidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 21–24°C (70–75°F). Native range: South America, Amazon, S?o Francisco and Essequibo River basins. Possibly in the Orinoco River basin.

Ripsaw catfish care at a glance

Temperature: 21–24°C (70–75°F)

Biology

Occurs over mud in streams and lakes. Forms schools. Feeds on detritus, chironomid and ephemeropteran larvae, and crustaceans. Known from temperatures ranging from 24-29.8 ?C, pH range of 5-9, and an alkalinity range of 42-142.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Oxydoras niger
Family: Doradidae (Thorny catfishes)
Order: Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 100.0
Common length: 59.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 7.8; dH range: ? - 25 demersal
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: South America: Amazon, S?o Francisco and Essequibo River basins. Possibly in the Orinoco River basin.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)