Oxydoras niger
| Ripsaw catfish | |
|---|---|
| |
| Oxydoras niger | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Doradidae |
| Genus: | Oxydoras |
| Species: | O. niger
|
| Binomial name | |
| Oxydoras niger (Valenciennes, 1821)
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
The ripsaw catfish (Oxydoras niger) or cuiu cuiu is a species of thorny catfish native to the Amazon, Essequibo and São Francisco basins in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Venezuela. This species grows to a length of 100 centimetres (39 in) SL and weights up to 13 kilograms (29 lb). This species is a minor component of local commercial fisheries.[1] Has lateral thorns that can damage a potential predator or handler. It feeds by shifting through sand and detecting eatable parts with the taste receptors in the roof and floor of its mouth.
Ecology[]
O. niger occurs over mud in streams and lakes. It is known from temperatures ranging from 24–29.8 °C (75–85.6 °F), pH range of 5–9, and an alkalinity range of 42–142. It is known to form schools. This species feeds on detritus, chironomid and ephemeropteran larvae, and crustaceans.[1]
In the aquarium[]
O. niger is a popular aquarium fish species. In the hobby, it goes by many names, including black talking catfish, razorback catfish, mother of snails catfish, ripsaw catfish, and black doradid.[2] This species grows to a large size and are often bought by unsuspecting aquarists when small. They will rapidly outgrow smaller tanks, so the aquarium should be as large as possible.[2][3] O. niger is especially light shy and should be provided with sheltered areas to hide.[3] Although these fish are peaceful, very small tankmates are still at risk of being eaten.[2] This species readily accepts prepared foods.[2] O. niger has not been bred under aquarium conditions.[2]
References[]
- ^ a b Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2011). "Oxydoras niger" in FishBase. December 2011 version.
- ^ a b c d e "PlanetCatfish::Catfish of the Month::February 2001". PlanetCatfish.com. 2006-04-12. Retrieved 2007-06-16.
- ^ a b Axelrod, Herbert R.; Emmens, C.; Burgess, W.; Pronek, N. (1996). Exotic Tropical Fishes. T.F.H. Publications. ISBN 0-87666-543-1.
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Oxydoras niger. |
 | This family Doradidae article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by . |
- Doradidae
- Fish of Bolivia
- Freshwater fish of Brazil
- Freshwater fish of Colombia
- Freshwater fish of Ecuador
- Freshwater fish of Peru
- Fish of the Amazon basin
- Fish described in 1821
- Taxa named by Achille Valenciennes
- Doradidae stubs