Osteogaster | |
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Osteogaster eques | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Siluriformes |
Family: | Callichthyidae |
Subfamily: | Corydoradinae |
Genus: | Osteogaster Cope, 1894 |
Type species | |
Corydoras eques Steindachner, 1876 | |
Species | |
See text |
Osteogaster is a genus of catfish in the subfamily Corydoradinae, family Callichthyidae of the order Siluriformes. Before the recent resurrection of the genus, these species have been grouped in the genus Corydoras .
Osteogaster was erected by Edward Drinker Cope in 1894. Before 2024, it was considered defunct by most scientific authorities, being considered as a junior synonym or subgenus of Corydoras. [1] It was formally resurrected and revalidated in a phylogenomic analysis carried out in 2024. [2]
The generic name, Osteogaster, is derived from the Greek ὀστέονostéon meaning bone, and γαστήρgastḗr meaning belly; referring to the coracoid bones of O. eques which completely enclose the ventral region. [3]
The basic color of species of the genus Osteogaster is yellowish-orange to reddish-orange, and there is a single large dark spot on the sides of the body. The fins are usually unspotted. Osteogaster species differ from all other armoured catfishes in the following characteristics, among others: [2]
As of September 2025 [update] , there are currently 8 extant species in this genus (as recognized by Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes), [4]