Cat-eLog Right Doradidae Right Rhinodoradinae Right Orinocodoras  |  | 

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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
Article Link - CotM Right 2010 Right August
Down 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.
Down Habitat Information
Distribution South America: Orinoco River basin.
Orinoco (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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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.
Down 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.
Down Further Information
Reference Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology v. 68 (no. 3), pp 124.
Registered Keepers There are 30 registered keepers, view all "my cats" data.
Wishlists Love this species? Click the heart to add it to your wish list.
There are 5 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)