Doradidae

views updated

Doradidae (thorny catfish; subclass Actinopterygii, order Siluriformes) A large family of small catfish that have rows of thick, overlapping plates along each side of the body, each plate provided with a thorny process. The dorsal and pectoral fins each bear a strong spine. Doradidae usually have three pairs of barbels around the mouth. Several species are known to aquarium hobbyists, including Amblydoras hancocki (grunting thorny catfish), which can make audible grunting noises. There are about 130 species, found in S. American rivers.

More From encyclopedia.com