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Oxydoras niger (Valenciennes, 1821)

 

Image contributors to this species:

Danny Blundell (4) Frants Lehmann (1 Stamp) Jean-Francois Helias (3) Allan James (3)

ScotCat Sources:

Factsheet  Article  Etymology = Genus  Etymology = Species

Other Sources:

Search  Fishbase  Wikipedia  Catalog of Fishes  Global Biodiversity Information Facility  FishNet2  iNaturalist

Relevant Information:

One of the main characteristics of the doradids is the presence of thorn like projections along the side of the body, which are known as scutes. These scutes are very sharp, so care should be taken when moving these fish. A real “Tank buster” if ever there was one. Habitat: 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. Aquarium Care: Quite a character obviously suited to large accommodation especially if keeping a number of fish together. Peaceful towards other fish and members of its own kind with doradids such as Agamyxis pectinifrons (Spotted Dora), Platydoras costatus (Striped Dora), Oscars and any other fish of a compatible size. Large pieces of bogwood and clean plastic drainpipe of suitable diameter for them to hide under. Ideally heater guards should be provided in order for the fish not to burn themselves.

Common Name:

Mother of Snails Catfish, Ripsaw Catfish & Black Doradid

Synonyms:

Doras niger, Doras humboldti, Pseudodoras niger, Corydoras edentatus, Rhinodoras niger, Rhinodoras prionomus, Rhinodoras teffeanus

Family:

Doradidae

Distribution:

South America: Amazon region, Peru, Brazil, Rio Purus, Rio Sao Francisco.

Size:

In excess of 90.0cm (36ins)

Temp:

21-24°C (70-75°F)

p.H.

6.0-7.8.

Reference:

Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2009. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version (04/2009).
Sabaj, M.H. and C.J. Ferraris, Jr. 2003 Doradidae (Thorny catfishes). p. 456-469. In: R.E. Reis, S.O. Kullander and C.J. Ferraris, Jr. (eds.) Checklist of the Freshwater Fishes of South and Central America. Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS, Brasil.
ScotCat Factsheet: no. 114. Dec. 2005.



Back to Family page

Family: Doradidae  Back to Ident-A-Cat  Click on Thumbnails

Click for full image Oxydoras niger
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Click for full imageOxydoras niger
Stamp
Click for full imageOxydoras niger
Caught in lake in Thailand
Click for full imageOxydoras niger
Caught in lake in Thailand
Click for full imageOxydoras niger
Showing bony scutes
Click for full imageOxydoras niger
Head view
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Click for full imageOxydoras niger
Showing barbels

 

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