Callichthyidae

Last updated

Armored catfish
Temporal range: Late Paleocene - Recent
Dianema longibarbis.gif
Dianema longibarbis
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Siluriformes
Superfamily: Loricarioidea
Family: Callichthyidae
Bonaparte, 1838
Genera
  • sub-family Callichthyinae

Callichthys
Dianema
Hoplosternum
Lepthoplosternum
Megalechis

Contents

  • sub-family Corydoradinae

Aspidoras
Corydoras (including Brochis )
Scleromystax

Callichthyidae is a family of catfishes (order Siluriformes), called armored catfishes due to the two rows of bony plates (or scutes) along the lengths of their bodies. It contains some of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish, such as many species in the genus Corydoras .

Taxonomy

The family derives its name from the Greek words kalli- ( καλλι- , 'beautiful') and ichthys ( ἰχθύς , 'fish'). [1] Callichthyidae is one of six families in the superfamily Loricarioidea, and is sister to a clade formed by Scoloplacidae, Astroblepidae, and Loricariidae. [2] Within the family Callichthyidae, the two subfamilies have eight genera and about 177 species, [3] accounting for about 7% of all catfish. Most of these species are in the genus Corydoras, the largest catfish genus. [2]

The subfamily Corydoradinae includes about 90% of the species in the family Callichthyidae and is one of the most diverse siluriform assemblages in the Neotropics, with about 170 valid species. [4] It includes two tribes, Aspidoradini and Corydoradini. Aspidoradini contains Aspidoras and Scleromystax , while Corydoradini contains Corydoras and Brochis . [5] [6] Some believe the genus Brochis should be synonymized with Corydoras. [4]

The subfamily Callichthyinae contains Callichthys , Dianema , Hoplosternum , Lepthoplosternum , and Megalechis . According to a 1997 paper, Callichthys is the most basal member of the subfamily. [7] In a 2004 study, different relationships among the callichthyines were found: Dianema and Hoplosternum form the most basal clade, and Callichthys is sister to Lepthoplosternum and Megalechis. [8] In a 2013 study, Dianema is the sister group of all the remaining genera. [9]

Fossil record

The first known fossil species of callichthyid is Corydoras revelatus from Salta, Argentina, of the late Paleocene. [10] [11] This species is tentatively placed in Corydoras, but is unambiguously a member of the subfamily Corydoradinae. [4] It indicates that the lineages leading to the two callichthyid subfamilies occurred at least by the late Paleocene. [4] It also suggests an earlier differentiation of loricarioids in comparison to other catfishes, or a lack of older fossils of other Neotropical groups. [4]

A fossil identified as a Hoplosternum species has also been identified from the middle Miocene in the La Venta formation, Magdalena River basin, Colombia. [11]

Distribution

The Neotropical family Callichthyidae is found in most South American river drainages (Paraná-Paraguay, São Francisco, Atlantic Coastal basins in Brazil, Amazon, Orinoco, Maracaibo, Magdalena). Hoplosternum punctatum is the only species in Central America, as it occurs in a few rivers in Panama. Callichthyidae present the highest species richness in the headwaters of the Amazonas drainage and those rivers draining the Guiana Shield. [2]

The subfamily Corydoradinae is found east of the Andes and north of the Rio de La Plata system. [4] Representatives of the Corydoradinae are found in several freshwater environments, ranging from fast-flowing piedmont streams with sandy or rocky bottoms to lowland pools with muddy bottoms. [4] A single species, Aspidoras mephisto, is a cavefish. [12]

Description

Closeup photograph of Hoplosternum littorale showing overlapping bony plates Atipa from French Guiana.jpg
Closeup photograph of Hoplosternum littorale showing overlapping bony plates

Callichthyids are fairly small catfish, and range in size from some tiny Corydoras species that do not exceed 2 cm (0.79 in) to Hoplosternum littorale , which some sources list as growing to a length of up to 24 cm (9.4 in) TL. [2] [13] The mouth is small and ventral with one or two pairs of well-developed barbels. [3] The dorsal and pectoral fins have strong spines, and a spine is found at the anterior border of the adipose fin. [3] In many species of this family, these spines are also venomous as an added deterrent to predators. [14]

The scutes that give these fish their name are one of their most prominent characteristics. The body has two rows of overlapping bony plates on each side. [3] The plates are arranged so they overlap along the rows as well as between the rows, providing protection but also allowing some freedom of movement. These scutes connect with the solid bones of the head, and the head itself may be covered with bony plates. The upper row of lateral scutes may either meet on the back or a narrow bare area may be filled with small oval or roundish bony platelets.

Species of the Corydoradinae are of small size (maximum about 9 cm (3.5 in) in standard length) and are easily distinguished from other callichthyids by their deep bodies and short maxillary barbels. [4]

Ecology

Living habits are varied; the family includes both bottom-foraging and midwater species. Callichthyids inhabit a wide range of habitats, from small, swift, oxygen-rich creeks to big rivers and flooded areas. Their habitats may even include swampy and muddy ones where oxygen may be virtually absent. [2] Callichthyids survive in these conditions by breathing air, collecting and swallowing it at the water's surface. The intestines are used to absorb oxygen, and the air is expelled from the anus. [2] The anterior digestive intestine packages digesta into a string of slightly compressed boluses, creating an air channel in the digestive intestine, thus allowing air to pass unimpeded. The posterior intestine is modified for respiration into a thin-walled and highly vascularized structure by reduction of the thickness of the epithelium, submucosa, and muscle layers; though highly modified to absorb air, it is inefficient for digestive purposes. Air moving through the digestive tract facilitates the movement of digesta to the rectum. [15] Unlike other catfish such as loricariids or trichomycterids that may breathe air only under hypoxic conditions, callichthyids breathe air under all water conditions. [2] Some callichthyids are able to absorb air through their hind guts to move short distances on land. [3] Air stored in their digestive tracts also accounts for 75% of the necessary air for neutral buoyancy. [2]

Breeding habits are also variable. Corydoradines breed over the substrate (such as rocks, logs, or leaves) as most catfish. However, the members of the subfamily Callichthyinae are known for building and guarding floating foam bubble nests; Hoplosternum littorale is reported to have the most complex nest structure. [16] These floating nests are made of foam and plant debris. Spawning and caring for the eggs and larvae takes place in these nests. [2] [17] Parental care in callichthyines is by the male. [18] In Corydoras and Hoplosternum, fertilization of eggs involves 'sperm drinking'; the female and male form the "T-position" with the female's mouth over the male's genital opening, and then the female drinks the sperm, releasing the sperm and eggs simultaneously. [19]

Relationship to humans

Some species are quite common in South America and are fished commercially. They are usually cooked in their bony armor. [2] Some callichthyids, especially species of Corydoras, are popular as ornamental fish in the fishkeeping hobby. [2]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loricariidae</span> Largest family of catfish

Loricariidae is the largest family of catfish, with 92 genera and just over 680 species. Loricariids originate from freshwater habitats of Costa Rica, Panama, and tropical and subtropical South America. These fish are noted for the bony plates covering their bodies and their suckermouths. Several genera are sold as "plecos", notably the suckermouth catfish, Hypostomus plecostomus, and are popular as aquarium fish.

<i>Corydoras</i> Genus of fishes

Corydoras is a genus of freshwater catfish in the family Callichthyidae and subfamily Corydoradinae. The species usually have more restricted areas of endemism than other callichthyids, but the area of distribution of the entire genus almost equals the area of distribution of the family, except for Panama where Corydoras is not present. Corydoras species are distributed in South America where they can be found from the east of the Andes to the Atlantic coast, from Trinidad to the Río de la Plata drainage in northern Argentina. Species assigned to Corydoras display a broad diversity of body shapes and coloration. Corydoras are small fish, ranging from 2.5 to 12 cm in SL., and are protected from predators by their body armor and by their sharp, typically venomous spines.

<i>Otocinclus</i> Genus of fishes

Otocinclus is a genus of catfish in the family Loricariidae native to South America, commonly known as "dwarf suckers" or "otos". This genus, like other loricariids, is characterized by rows of armour plating covering the body, as well as the underslung suckermouth. They are generally small in size; O. tapirape is the smallest of the species (2.4 cm), while O. flexilis is the biggest (5.5 cm). These species have adaptations that allow them to breathe air. A duct forms at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach and expands into an enlarged, ring-like diverticulum, characteristic of this genus, which allows air-breathing. Otocinclus are popular aquarium fish, and they are often purchased as algae eaters. It is difficult to breed them in captivity, and only wild caught Otocinclus are available to hobbyists. This genus is widely distributed east of the Andes of South America, throughout the lowlands from northern Venezuela to northern Argentina, but are generally absent from the Amazon and the Orinoco lowlands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bronze corydoras</span> Species of fish

The bronze corydoras, also known as the green corydoras, bronze catfish, lightspot corydoras or wavy catfish, is a species of freshwater fish in the armored catfish family, Callichthyidae, often kept as an aquarium fish. It is widely distributed in South America on the eastern side of the Andes, from Colombia and Trinidad to the Río de la Plata basin; however, as presently defined it is a species complex and a taxonomic review is necessary. It was originally described as Hoplosoma aeneum by Theodore Gill in 1858 and has historically also been referred to as Callichthys aeneus.

<i>Aspidoras</i> Genus of fishes

Aspidoras is a genus of catfishes of the family Callichthyidae from Brazil.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Banded corydoras</span> Species of fish

The banded corydoras or bearded catfish is a subtropical freshwater fish belonging to the subfamily Corydoradinae of the family Callichthyidae. It originates in coastal drainages in South America from Rio de Janeiro to Santa Catarina, Brazil.

The Guapore corydoras is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the subfamily Corydoradinae of the family Callichthyidae. It originates in inland waters in South America, and is found in the Guaporé River basin in Brazil. It is named for the river to which it is native.

Britski's catfish is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the subfamily Corydoradinae of the family Callichthyidae native to South America where it is found in the upper Paraguay River basin in Brazil. This species was formerly classified as Brochis britskii.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hog-nosed catfish</span> Species of fish

The hog-nosed catfish is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the Corydoradinae sub-family of the family Callichthyidae. It is native to South America, and is found in the western Amazon basin in Ecuador and Peru. This species is traditionally placed in Brochis but the genus is a synonym of Corydoras. FishBase continues to recognize Brochis as a valid genus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sixray corydoras</span> Species of fish

The sixray corydoras or false corydoras is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the Corydoradinae sub-family of the family Callichthyidae. It originates in inland waters in South America, and is found in the upper Araguaia River basin in Brazil.

<i>Callichthys</i> Genus of fishes

Callichthys is a small genus of freshwater catfish in the Callichthyinae subfamily of the armored catfish family, and consists of 4 species from South America. The genus Callichthys is distributed in most freshwater drainages of South America.

<i>Callichthys callichthys</i> Species of fish

Callichthys callichthys, the cascarudo, armored catfish, bubblenest catfish, hassar, or mailed catfish, is a subtropical freshwater fish belonging to the subfamily Callichthyinae of the family Callichthyidae.

<i>Hoplosternum</i> Genus of fishes

Hoplosternum is a small genus of freshwater catfish in the Callichthyinae subfamily of the armored catfish family.

<i>Megalechis</i> Genus of fishes

Megalechis is a small genus of freshwater catfish in the Callichthyinae subfamily of the armored catfish family.

Callichthys fabricioi is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the Callichthyinae sub-family of the family Callichthyidae. The fish will grow in length up to 12.5 centimetres (5 in) SL. C. fabricioi is found in the trans-Andean upper Cauca River in the Magdalena River basin of Colombia. Although described in 1999, two other cogener fish have since been discovered.

Callichthys serralabium is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the Callichthyinae sub-family of the family Callichthyidae.

<i>Hoplosternum littorale</i> Species of fish

Hoplosternum littorale is a species of catfish belonging to the Callichthyinae subfamily of the family Callichthyidae. It is known as tamuatá in Brazil, atipa in French Guiana, hassa in Guyana, kwi kwi in Suriname, cascadu or cascadura in Trinidad and Tobago, and busco or currito in Venezuela.

<i>Scleromystax</i> Genus of fishes

Scleromystax is a genus of fish in the family Callichthyidae endemic to small tributaries from several coastal river basins draining the southern and southeastern regions in Brazil. Most of the species of Scleromystax are highly sexually dimorphic; males have developed odontodes inserted in fleshy papillae on the preopercular-opercular region and the dorsal and pectoral fins are 2–3 times as long as those of females. S. salmacis is an exception, as its sexually dimorphic features are subtle and non-remarkable.

Corydoras fulleri, formerly identified as C116/115, is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the subfamily Corydoradinae of the family Callichthyidae native to South America where it is found in two tributaries of the río Manuripe and a tributary of the río Madre de Dios, rio Madeira basin, Peru. It lives in a tropical climate in water with a temperature range of 22–26 °C (72–79 °F).

Corydoras robineae the banner-tail corydoras is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the Corydoradinae sub-family of the family Callichthyidae. It originates in inland waters in South America. Corydoras robineae is restricted to the Upper Negro River basin.

References

  1. ↑ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2007). "Callichthyidae" in FishBase . March 2007 version.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Reis, Roberto E. (1998-05-14). "Callichthyidae. Armored Catfishes". Tree of Life Web Project . Retrieved 2007-07-04.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Nelson, Joseph S. (2006). Fishes of the World . John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN   0-471-25031-7.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Britto, Marcelo R. (December 2003). "Phylogeny of the subfamily Corydoradinae Hoedeman, 1952 (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae), with a definition of its genera" (PDF). Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 153: 119–154. doi:10.1635/0097-3157(2003)153[0119:POTSCH]2.0.CO;2. S2CID   85655845. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 2011-08-17.
  5. ↑ "Scientific Name - Search Result".
  6. ↑ Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish (2005) (David Alderton) page 121
  7. ↑ Lehmann A., Pablo; Reis, Roberto E. (2004). Armbruster, J. W. (ed.). "Callichthys serralabium: A New Species of Neotropical Catfish from the Upper Orinoco and Negro Rivers (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae)". Copeia . 2004 (2): 336–343. doi:10.1643/CI-03-129R. S2CID   86143425.
  8. ↑ Reis, Roberto E.; Kaefer, Cíntia C. (2005). Armbruster, J. W. (ed.). "Two New Species of the Neotropical Catfish Genus Lepthoplosternum (Ostariophysi: Siluriformes: Callichthyidae)". Copeia . 2005 (4): 724–731. doi:10.1643/0045-8511(2005)005[0724:TNSOTN]2.0.CO;2. S2CID   85923637.
  9. ↑ Mariguela, Tatiane C.; Alexandrou, Markos A.; Foresti, Fausto; Oliveira, Claudio (2013). "Historical biogeography and cryptic diversity in the Callichthyinae (Siluriformes, Callichthyidae)". Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. 51 (4): 308–315. doi: 10.1111/jzs.12029 .
  10. ↑ Cockerell, T. D. A. (1925). "A Fossil Fish of the Family Callichthyidae". Science . 62 (1609): 397–398. Bibcode:1925Sci....62..397C. doi:10.1126/science.62.1609.397-a. PMID   17832656. S2CID   40607318.
  11. 1 2 Ferraris, Carl J. Jr. (2007). "Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types" (PDF). Zootaxa . 1418: 1–628. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.1418.1.1 . Retrieved 2009-06-22.
  12. ↑ Tencatt, Caserta; Bichuette, M. Elina (2017). "Aspidoras mephisto, new species: The first troglobitic Callichthyidae (Teleostei: Siluriformes) from South America". PLOS ONE. 12 (3): e0171309. Bibcode:2017PLoSO..1271309T. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171309 . PMC   5331963 . PMID   28248959.
  13. ↑ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2007). "Hoplosternum littorale" in FishBase . July 2007 version.
  14. ↑ Wright, JJ (2009). "Diversity, phylogenetic distribution, and origins of venomous catfishes". BMC Evol Biol. 9: 282. doi: 10.1186/1471-2148-9-282 . PMC   2791775 . PMID   19961571.
  15. ↑ Persaud, David I.; Ramnarine, Indar W.; Agard, John B. R. (2006). "Trade-off between digestion and respiration in two airbreathing callichthyid catfishes Holposternum littorale (Hancock) and Corydoras aeneus (Gill)". Environ Biol Fish. 76 (2–4): 159–165. doi:10.1007/s10641-006-9019-2. S2CID   20467302.
  16. ↑ Andrade, D. V.; Abe, A. S. (1997). "Foam nest production in the armoured catfish". Journal of Fish Biology. 50 (3): 665–667. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.1997.tb01957.x.
  17. ↑ Burgess, Dr. Warren E. (1987). A Complete Introduction to Corydoras and Related Catfishes. Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H. Publications. ISBN   0-86622-264-2.
  18. ↑ Hostache, Gérard; Mol, Jan H. (1998). "Reproductive biology of the neotropical armoured catfish Hoplosternum littorale (Siluriformes - Callichthyidae): a synthesis stressing the role of the floating bubble nest" (PDF). Aquat. Living Resour. 11 (3): 173–185. doi:10.1016/S0990-7440(98)80114-9. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-07-04.
  19. ↑ Mazzoldi, C.; Lorenzi, V.; Rasotto, M. B. (2007). "Variation of male reproductive apparatus in relation to fertilization modalities in the catfish families Auchenipteridae and Callichthyidae (Teleostei: Siluriformes)". Journal of Fish Biology. 70: 243–256. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.2006.01300.x.
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