Fin's Fish Guide
The Squaliforma emarginata is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Description
The bordered armoured catfish is a suckermouth armoured catfish (Loricariidae) from northern South America. The species reaches about 28 cm and has an elongate body armoured with bony plates and an inferior sucker mouth. With this it attaches to stones and wood and scrapes algae, aufwuchs and detritus from the surface. It inhabits flowing rivers and streams with a rocky bottom. Like other armoured catfishes it bears sharp pectoral spines set with skin teeth (odontodes). The fish is mainly nocturnal. Owing to its wide range the species is not threatened.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Squaliforma emarginata?
The Squaliforma emarginata has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Inferior sucker mouth and a body armoured with bony plates; scrapes algae off stones.
Where does the Squaliforma emarginata live?
The Squaliforma emarginata lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. The north of South America, in flowing rivers and streams.
How big does the Squaliforma emarginata get?
The Squaliforma emarginata grows to a maximum of about 28 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Squaliforma emarginata dangerous to humans?
No, the Squaliforma emarginata is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Squaliforma emarginata edible?
The Squaliforma emarginata is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Loricariidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Squaliforma emarginata is one of 12,519 species in the app.