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Catfish (Corydoras hastatus) — Callichthyidae

Catfish

Corydoras hastatus
LC · Least Concern

The Catfish (Corydoras hastatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 2 cm.

Length
2.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The dwarf corydoras is a very small armoured catfish (Callichthyidae) from South America; it is among the smallest armoured catfishes. Instead of scales it bears two rows of bony plates and a dark spot on the tail base. Unlike most bottom-dwelling relatives it often swims in schools in the midwater among water plants. It forages for small invertebrates, worms and detritus. The sharp pectoral fin spines can give a painful prick when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Catfish?

The Catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Catfish live?

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

How big does the Catfish get?

The Catfish grows to a maximum of about 2 cm.

Is the Catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Catfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Catfish edible?

The Catfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dwerg-pantsermeerval sourced
English name
Catfish verified
Scientific name
Corydoras hastatus
Family
Callichthyidae
Other names
Dwarf Catfish; Dwarf corydoras; Micro catfish; Pygmy Cory; Pygmy corydoras verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2.4 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Corydoras

More from the family Callichthyidae

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