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Armenian torrent catfish (Glyptothorax armeniacus) — Sisoridae

Armenian torrent catfish

Glyptothorax armeniacus
Family: Sisoridae

The Armenian torrent catfish (Glyptothorax armeniacus) is a freshwater fish of the family Sisoridae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
12.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Can cause injury

Description

The Armenian torrent catfish is a sisorid catfish (Sisoridae) from fast-flowing, cold fresh water of southwest Asia. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a flattened, scaleless body with a broad head, barbels and a groove or adhesive plate on the chest with which it clings to stones in strong current. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it searches among rocks and gravel for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The stout pectoral spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Armenian torrent catfish?

The Armenian torrent catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Armenian torrent catfish live?

The Armenian torrent catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Armenian torrent catfish get?

The Armenian torrent catfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Armenian torrent catfish dangerous to humans?

The Armenian torrent catfish can cause injury; handle it with care.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Armeense bergstroommeerval sourced
English name
Armenian torrent catfish sourced
Scientific name
Glyptothorax armeniacus
Family
Sisoridae
Other names
Armenian mountain cat verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.5 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
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
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
Can cause injury verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Glyptothorax

More from the family Sisoridae

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