Callichthyidae

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

iArmored catfish
Corydoras semiaquilus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Siluriformes Family: Callichthyidae
Genera
Aspidoras Brochis Callichthys Corydoras Dianema Hoplosternum Lepthoplosternum Megalechis Scleromystax

The family Callichthyidae hails from South America and contains some of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish, such as the corydoras. They are called armored catfishes due to the two rows of bony plates (or scutes) running down the length of the body. These are arranged so they overlap along the rows as well as between the rows, giving full protection but at the same time allowing a certain freedom of movement. Anteriorly, these scutes are connect with the solid bones of the head and the head itself may be covered with bony plates. The upper row of lateral scutes may either meet on the back or there may be a narrow bare area that may be filled in with small oval or roundish bony platelets. They are fairly small catfish, and range in size from the tiny 3 cm Aspidoras pauciradiatus to Hoplosternum littorale, which tops out just over 20 cm. Living habits are varied; the family includes both bottom foraging and mid-water species. Breeding habits are also variable. Most deposit eggs on plants near the surface of the water, but a few build bubble nests.

[edit] Genera

• Callichthyinae

• Callichthys
• Dianema
• Hoplosternum
• Lepthoplosternum
• Megalechis
• Scleromystax

• Corydoradinae

• Aspidoras
• Brochis
• Corydoras

[edit] Name origin

The family derives its name from the greek words kallis (beautiful) and ichthys (fish).

[edit] References

• "Callichthyidae". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. March 2006 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2006.
• Burgess, Dr. Warren E. (1987). A Complete Introduction to Corydoras and Related Catfishes. Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H. Publications. ISBN 0-86622-264-2.