Spiny catfish (Acanthodoras cataphractus)

Scientific name: Acanthodoras cataphractus Linnaeus, 1758

The Spiny catfish (Acanthodoras cataphractus) is a freshwater fish of the family Doradidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–26°C (72–79°F). Native range: South America, Amazon River basin and coastal drainages of French Guiana, Guyana and Suriname.

Spiny catfish care at a glance

Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 5; Anal soft rays: 10 - 11. The body is a little elongated, without scales, with one lateral range of bony plaque. The head is large and flattened. Mouth terminal, and has three pairs of barbels. Eyes are small.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Acanthodoras cataphractus
Family: Doradidae (Thorny catfishes)
Order: Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 11.5
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 7.5; dH range: 4 - 25 demersal
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: South America: Amazon River basin and coastal drainages of French Guiana, Guyana and Suriname.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)