How to Identify Mandi-chorão

To identify Mandi-chorão (Ageneiosus inermis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Generally silvery-grey to brownish on the dorsal surface, fading to a lighter, often whitish, ventral side. Some individuals may exhibit faint mottling or darker spots, especially when young. Fins are typically translucent or dusky.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Absence of a dorsal fin spine (hence 'inermis' meaning unarmed), Long, slender body, Large, upward-pointing eyes, Two pairs of barbels: one maxillary pair (long, reaching beyond pectoral fin base) and one mental pair (short, inconspicuous), Adipose fin present, relatively small

Dorsal fin

Small, soft-rayed, lacking a spine. Typically 6-7 soft rays.

Tail fin

Forked, with rounded lobes.

Pectoral fin

Well-developed, with a strong, serrated spine (though not as prominent as in some other catfish families) and 8-10 soft rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is long, with 30-40 soft rays, extending along a significant portion of the ventral body. Pelvic fins are small, with 6 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Dorsal Fin

   The most distinguishing feature is the absence of a hard spine in the dorsal fin, which is soft-rayed. This immediately differentiates it from many other catfish species.

2. 2

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Elongated, somewhat compressed body with a silvery-grey to brownish back and lighter belly. The overall sleek appearance is characteristic.

3. 3

   Mouth and Barbels

   Superior mouth (upward-pointing) and long maxillary barbels that extend past the pectoral fin base are key identifiers.

4. 4

   Anal Fin

   The unusually long anal fin, extending for a considerable length along the underside of the body, is a good diagnostic feature.

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