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Granulated catfish (Pterodoras granulosus) — Doradidae

Granulated catfish

Pterodoras granulosus
Family: Doradidae

The Granulated catfish (Pterodoras granulosus) is a freshwater fish of the family Doradidae that grows up to 68 cm.

Length
68 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The granulated catfish is a large thorny catfish (Doradidae) from the Parana and Amazon basins in South America. The species grows to about 68 cm and has a heavy, dark-grey body with a row of bony, thorny plates along the lateral line and three pairs of barbels. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it searches large rivers for fruit, seeds, molluscs and invertebrates. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans, though the side plates and fin spines can graze.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Granulated catfish?

The Granulated catfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Granulated catfish live?

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

How big does the Granulated catfish get?

The Granulated catfish grows to a maximum of about 68 cm.

Is the Granulated catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Granulated catfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Granulated catfish edible?

Yes, the Granulated catfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Granuleuze doornmeerval sourced
English name
Granulated catfish sourced
Scientific name
Pterodoras granulosus
Family
Doradidae
Other names
Granulated catfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
68.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Pterodoras

More from the family Doradidae

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