The Aspidoras genera
differ from Corydoras by their different
behaviour such as their swimming habits. The eyes
are smaller, body smaller and a smaller head shape
in Aspidoras compared with Corydoras.
Aspidoras posses a duel fontanel bone structure
in the skull whereas Corydoras have only the
one larger fontanel. Lineage: All
Aspidoras belong to Lineage 2 with the exception
of A. pauciradiatus
which will prove to be
a Corydoras and if a revision is carried
out will be Gastrodermus (Cope, 1878) and
a member of Lineage 5 alongside members of the "elegans
group". Aquarium Care: Aspidoras
maculosus is fairly uncommon in the hobby but
as with all of this genus they are best kept in groups
of six or more and are best housed with small fishes
that are not aggressive. Provide a planted area in
the tank for cover and include a soft substrate such
as sand or small rounded gravel. Diet:Flake, tablet foods, small live and frozen
foods. Etymology: The specific name
maculosus: Latin for speckled, referring
to eye-sized spots along middle of body. Remarks:
Many species of Aspidoras are difficult to
tell apart unless there is area catchment information
available.
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
None
Family:
Callichthyidae
Distribution:
South America:
Brazil,
Bahia, Rio Paiaia, into headwaters of Rio Itapicurú,
small, rocky, rapid stream from Serra Jacobina between
Bom Fim and Jacobina, about 11°S, 40°30’W.
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