Megalodoras uranoscopus

The giant talking catfish or giant raphael catfish (Megalodoras uranoscopus) is a species of thorny catfish that is native to the Amazon Basin in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. This species grows to a length of 60 centimetres (24 in) SL (for a female specimen) and a maximum weight of 4.6 kilograms (10 lb). These fish are a component of local commercial fisheries.

Megalodoras uranoscopus
Juvenile
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Siluriformes
Family: Doradidae
Genus: Megalodoras
Species:
M. uranoscopus
Binomial name
Megalodoras uranoscopus
Synonyms
  • Doras uranoscopus Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888
  • Hoplodoras uranoscopus (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888)
  • Oxydoras huberi Steindachner, 1911
  • Pseudodoras huberi (Steindachner, 1911)
  • Doras libertatis Miranda Ribeiro, 1912
  • Megalodoras libertatis (Miranda Ribeiro, 1912)
  • Megalodoras irwini Eigenmann, 1925

Ecology

M. uranoscopus occurs in small groups and occasionally forms schools. This species inhabits rivers. M. uranoscopus is mainly diurnal. These fish feed on the fruits of Licania longipetala and Astrocaryum jauari and also feeds on pulmonate snails.

Aquarium

Not commonly imported but is appealing for its attractive colour pattern which remains with age. Diet include catfish pellets, catfish tablets, prawns and frozen bloodworms. They are a large species and require a large aquarium, but otherwise are peaceful and hardy and compatible with most medium to large fish. A group of three or more is ideal. The lighting should not be too bright. Hiding places should be provided for these fish.[1][2]

References
  1. "PlanetCatfish::Cat-eLog::Doradidae::Megalodoras uranoscopus". 2006-01-04. Retrieved 2007-06-10.
  2. "Megalodoras urunoscopus Eigenmann, 1925". ScotCat. 2006-04-20. Retrieved 2007-06-10.


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