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Black band catfish (Corydoras zygatus) — Callichthyidae

Black band catfish

Corydoras zygatus

The Black band catfish (Corydoras zygatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The black band catfish is a small armoured catfish (Callichthyidae) from fresh water of the western Amazon basin in Peru. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a stocky, red-brown body with two rows of bony plates, three pairs of barbels and a dark band across the flank. As a gregarious bottom-dweller it roots in groups through soft sand in search of worms, larvae and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans and is popular in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black band catfish?

The Black band catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Black band catfish live?

The Black band catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Black band catfish get?

The Black band catfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Black band catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Black band catfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Black band catfish edible?

Yes, the Black band catfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwartband-pantsermeerval sourced
English name
Black band catfish sourced
Scientific name
Corydoras zygatus
Family
Callichthyidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 Corydoras

More from the family Callichthyidae

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