PlanetCatfish.com - Orinocodoras eigenmanni (Doradidae) Cat-eLog

Dorsal view of pair
Video
Ventral view
Close-up of dorsal area
Close-up of head
Lateral view
Rio Apure, 69.9mm SL (ANSP198871)

Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name	**Orinocodoras eigenmanni** Myers, 1927
Common Names	Eigenmann's Talking Catfish Orinoco Talking Catfish
Type Locality	Caño de Quiribana near Caicara, Venezuela.
Pronunciation	or in oko DOOR ass - EYE gn MAN eye.
Etymology	Orinocodoras: From the Orinoco River and doras, meaning skin (also a word commonly used in forming generic names for doradids); in reference to the distribution. Species named in honour of Dr. Carl H. Eigenmann, Professor of Ichthyology in Indiana (1863-1927).
Articles	- CotM 2010 August
Species Information
Size	200mm or 7.9" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification	Can be distinguished from Platydoras armatulus, the striped or humbug talking catfish, as follows: snout is more pointed, whereas P. armatulus has a rounded snout. Eyes of O. eigenmanni are smaller. O. eigenmanni has a longer adipose fin. The skin of O. eigenmanni looks less plated and in almost like sandpaper in areas. Generally, the 'Orinoco' is by far the most elegant fish of the two. Soemtimes imported under incorrect names. Anyone who is interested in O. eigenmanni must look carefully through shipments of P. armatulus, for that is where they may be. And if so, you will easily spot them.
Sexing	Males are smaller and slighter. In larger fish a top view may give something away: males are more slender, adult females are more than 25% larger than similarly mature males. Differences in belly colouration have little to do with gender.
General Remarks	A monotypic genus.
Habitat Information
Distribution	South America: Orinoco River basin. Orinoco (click on these areas to find other species found there) Log in to view data on a map.
IUCN Red List Category	Least Concern, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2020.
pH	6.0 - 7.8
Temperature	22.0-27.0°C or 71.6-80.6°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters	A hardy fish that will adapt to most conditions. Moderate current is preferred.
Husbandry Information
Feeding	Will eat anything; particularly fond of bloodworms and pellets or tablets. Is very visible when fed, even during the day. User data.
Furniture	Driftwood for hiding places. However, as the fish grows quite large, see to it that it remains able to swim. If necessary redecorate. Will not ruin plants. Ensure heater is not used as a hiding place.
Compatibility	A community fish for medium to larger aquariums; not suited for life with very aggressive fish or very, very small fish, the later may accidentally be regarded as food.
Suggested Tankmates	Goes very well with other peaceful catfish and characins. Can be kept alone, as a pair but best in a small group.
Breeding	.
Breeding Reports	There is no breeding report.
Further Information
Reference	Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology v. 68 (no. 3), pp 124.
Registered Keepers	There are 29 registered keepers, view all "my cats" data.
Wishlists	Love this species? Click the heart to add it to your wish list. There are 6 wishes to keep this species, see who wants what.
Spotters	Spotted this species somewhere? Click the binoculars! There are 12 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
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Last Update	2020 Sep 23 12:23 (species record created: 2001 May 15 00:00)