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Broadhead cory (Aspidoras eurycephalus) — Callichthyidae

Broadhead cory

Aspidoras eurycephalus

The Broadhead cory (Aspidoras eurycephalus) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

The Broadhead cory is an armoured dwarf catfish (Callichthyidae) from clear streams and blackwater creeks of inland Brazil. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a stocky body with two rows of overlapping bony plates, short barbels and an inferior mouth. As a social bottom-dweller it roots through sand in small groups searching for insect larvae, small worms and detritus; sometimes it darts to the surface to gulp air. The dorsal and pectoral spines are mildly venomous and can give a painful prick when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Broadhead cory?

The Broadhead cory has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Broadhead cory live?

The Broadhead cory lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Broadhead cory get?

The Broadhead cory grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Broadhead cory dangerous to humans?

The Broadhead cory is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Breedkop-pantsermeerval sourced
English name
Broadhead cory sourced
Scientific name
Aspidoras eurycephalus
Family
Callichthyidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Aspidoras

More from the family Callichthyidae

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