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Taurus aspidoras (Aspidoras taurus) — Callichthyidae

Taurus aspidoras

Aspidoras taurus

The Taurus aspidoras (Aspidoras taurus) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Taurus aspidoras is a small armoured catfish (Callichthyidae) from fresh water of northeastern Brazil. The species grows to about 5.4 cm and has a stocky body with two rows of bony plates along the flank and short barbels. As a bottom-dweller it roots in groups through soft sand and leaf litter in search of small invertebrates, larvae and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Taurus aspidoras?

The Taurus aspidoras has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Taurus aspidoras live?

The Taurus aspidoras lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Taurus aspidoras get?

The Taurus aspidoras grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Taurus aspidoras dangerous to humans?

No, the Taurus aspidoras is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Stier-pantsermeerval sourced
English name
Taurus aspidoras sourced
Scientific name
Aspidoras taurus
Family
Callichthyidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
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
Harmless 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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