Is it Acanthodoras Cataphractus or Spinosissimus

oka · Post by **oka** » 15 Mar 2004, 17:53

I have a puzzle to be solved. Two candidates are presented for my catfish ID and I couldn't still decide which one is it. It is stated as Acanthodoras cataphractus or on the other hand as Acanthodoras spinosissimus.

Could someone please help me to decide which one is it or identify my catfish according to the pictures taken from it. Url below:

http://www.lemmikkipalstat.net/cgi-bin/ ... 013276.cgi

Cheers,
Oka

Post by **Silurus** » 15 Mar 2004, 18:09

I would guess spinosissimus, but there is not much basis to it.

oka · Post by **oka** » 21 Mar 2004, 19:12

Hi,

I updated few better pictures of my catfish to my webpage. Can you now see the difference more clearly?

Same link:
http://www.lemmikkipalstat.net/cgi-bin/ ... 013276.cgi

Couple guys have guessed Spinosissimus as well... The problem is that these fellows haven't been sold for ten years in Finland

Cheers,
Oka

Post by **Silurus** » 21 Mar 2004, 19:32

I was guessing spinosissimus based on the fin coloration (which is admittedly variable and very likely useless as a distinguishing character), but having looked at the literature more closely, it seems that you have A. cataphractus. The spines on on the sides of the body are more developed in A. spinosissimus (something like the condition you see in Acanthodoras sp. 2 in the Cat-eLog).
For that matter, I think the A. spinosissimus in the Cat-eLog is A. cataphractus, and that sp. (2) is A. spinosissimus.

oka · Post by **oka** » 23 Mar 2004, 19:03

It was nice relief to hear that the original owner of fish were actually right.
There are usually seen Agamyxis Pectinifron and Platydoras Costatus in Finnish aqua stores. I'm lucky to have this rare fellow at home.

Thanks for the info and take care.

BR,
Oka