Acanthodoras

Taxobox
name = "Acanthodoras"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Siluriformes
familia = Doradidae
genus = "Acanthodoras"
genus_authority = Bleeker, 1862
binomial = "Acanthodoras cataphractus"
binomial_authority = (Linnaeus, 1758)
binomial2 = "Acanthodoras depressus"
binomial2_authority = (Steindachner, 1881)
binomial3 = "Acanthodoras spinosissimus"
binomial3_authority = (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888)
synonyms =
*"Cataphractus"
Edwards, in Catesby, 1771

"Acanthodoras" is a genus of catfishes (order Siluriformes) of the family Doradidae. It includes three species, "A. cataphractus", "A. depressus", and "A. spinosissimus". [cite journal|url=http://silurus.acnatsci.org/ACSI/library/biblios/2007_Ferraris_Catfish_Checklist.pdf|title=Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types|first=Carl J., Jr.|last=Ferraris|journal=Zootaxa|volume=1418|pages=1–628|year=2007|format=PDF]

Distribution

"Acanthodoras" species are distributed in South America. "A. cataphractus" is found in the Amazon River basin and coastal drainages of French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname.FishBase species|genus=Acanthodoras|species=cataphractus|year=2007|month=June] "A. depressus" inhabits the Amazon and Rio Negro basins.FishBase species|genus=Acanthodoras|species=depressus|year=2007|month=June] "A. spinosissimus" originates from the Amazon and Essequibo River basins.FishBase species|genus=Acanthodoras|species=spinosissimus|year=2007|month=June]

Appearance and anatomy

These catfish lack scales, but their bodies are armored with a lateral row of bony plates. The head is large and flattened. The mouth is terminal (points straight forward). There are three pairs of barbels and the eyes are small. There are no external sexual characteristics. The dorsal and pectoral fin spines are stiff and sharp and can inflict a painful wound.

"A. cataphractus" reaches a length of 11.5 centimetres (4.52 in) SL. "A. depressus" grows up to 8.1 cm (3.2 in) SL. "A. spinosissimus" has a maximum size of 13.7 cm (5.4 in) SL.

Ecology

"A. cataphractus" is abundant in calm waters of swamps and mangroves. Omnivorous, they feed mainly on organic wastes; these fish search for food by digging in the sediment. These fish are nocturnal; during the day, this species lies hidden in the underwater roots and stocks. "A. cataphractus" is able to produce sounds; every basic unit of the sound they emit when they move their pectoral spine lasts 100-200 milliseconds and has a frequency of 170-250 Hertz.

"A. spinosissimus" is said to produce toxic fluids and to be venomous. It too has the ability to emit sounds.

In the aquarium

"Acanthodoras" species may be kept as pet fish in the aquarium fish hobby.

"A. cataphractus" is an uncommon species in the trade; they usually are imported alongside other doradids such as the Striped Raphael catfish. They will accept a wide variety of foods. Due to their behavior of digging through the substrate for their food, sand or round gravel should be used to prevent damage to their barbels. There should be some shelter for these fish to hide under; once released into the aquarium, these fish may virtually never be seen again. This fish species is a peaceful, community resident. Breeding has been achieved in captivity. The parents were observed digging a depression in the substrate into which the eggs were deposited. The eggs were guarded by both fish. The eggs hatched after 4-5 days although unfortunately the young did not survive beyond the fry stage of development.cite web|url=http://www.planetcatfish.com/cotm/cotm.php?article_id=155|title=PlanetCatfish::Catfish of the Month::May 2007|date=2007-05-08|accessdate=2007-06-09]

"A. spinosissimus" is similar. These fish shun bright light and should be provided with adequate hiding places. This fish may live in an aquarium for months without being seen, hiding below rocks and burying itself in the substrate.cite book|title=Exotic Tropical Fishes|last=Axelrod|first=Herbert R.|authorlink=Herbert R. Axelrod|coauthors=Emmens, C.; Burgess, W.;Pronek, N.|publisher=T.F.H. Publications|year=1996|isbn=0-87666-543-1]

References