Callichthyidae
Armored catfish Temporal range: Late Paleocene - Recent
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Dianema longibarbis
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Siluriformes |
Superfamily: | Loricarioidea |
Family: | Callichthyidae Bonaparte, 1838 |
Genera | |
Callichthys
Aspidoras |
Callichthyidae is a
Taxonomy
The family derives its name from the
The subfamily Corydoradinae includes about 90% of the species in the family Callichthyidae and is one of the most diverse siluriform assemblages in the
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
The subfamily Corydoradinae is found east of the
Description
Callichthyids are fairly small catfish, and range in size from some tiny Corydoras species that do not exceed 2 cm (0.79 in) to
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.
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]
References
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2007). "Callichthyidae" in FishBase. March 2007 version.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Reis, Roberto E. (1998-05-14). "Callichthyidae. Armored Catfishes". Tree of Life Web Project. Retrieved 2007-07-04.
- ^ ISBN 0-471-25031-7.
- ^ S2CID 85655845. Archived from the original(PDF) on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 2011-08-17.
- ^ "Scientific Name - Search Result".
- ^ Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish (2005) (David Alderton) page 121
- S2CID 86143425.
- S2CID 85923637.
- .
- S2CID 40607318.
- ^ . Retrieved 2009-06-22.
- PMID 28248959.
- ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2007). "Hoplosternum littorale" in FishBase. July 2007 version.
- PMID 19961571.
- S2CID 20467302.
- .
- ISBN 0-86622-264-2.
- doi:10.1016/S0990-7440(98)80114-9. Archived from the original(PDF) on 2007-07-04.
- .