Come identificare Catfish

Per identificare Catfish (Siluriformes), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

elongated

Colorazione

Highly variable; ranges from mottled browns and greens to silvery-grey, black, or even albino forms. Many species have cryptic coloration for camouflage.

Tipo di squame

none

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Presence of barbels (whiskers) around the mouth, typically 2-8 in number, used for chemoreception and foraging., Absence of scales (most species, though some have bony plates or scutes)., Adipose fin present in many families (a small, fleshy fin between the dorsal and caudal fins)., Often possess strong, serrated spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins, which can be venomous in some species.

Pinna dorsale

Typically one dorsal fin, sometimes with a spine. Some species have a second, adipose fin.

Pinna caudale

Homocercal, often forked or rounded, varying in shape depending on species.

Pinna pettorale

Paired, often with a strong, serrated spine that can be locked into an erect position.

Pinne distintive

Many species possess an adipose fin, a fleshy, rayless fin located between the dorsal and caudal fins.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Barbels

   Count the number and observe the length and position of the barbels around the mouth. This is a primary distinguishing feature for many catfish species.

2. 2

   Scales

   Most catfish lack scales, having smooth skin or bony plates. The presence or absence of scales is a key identifier.

3. 3

   Fin Spines

   Note the presence and characteristics of spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins. Some are venomous.

4. 4

   Adipose Fin

   Check for the presence or absence of a small, fleshy adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins.

5. 5

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Observe the overall body shape (e.g., elongated, flattened, robust) and coloration patterns, which can be species-specific.

Esplora Catfish