Scientific Name
Oxydoras niger

Common Name
Ripsaw catfish

Biology
Occurs over mud in streams and lakes. Forms schools (Ref. 9084). Feeds on detritus, chironomid and ephemeropteran larvae, and crustaceans (Ref. 9096). Known from temperatures ranging from 24-29.8 ?C, pH range of 5-9, and an alkalinity range of 42-142.

Classification

Classified By

Valenciennes, 1821

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Catfish (Siluriformes)

Family

Thorny catfishes (Doradidae)

Distribution

Region

South America

Distribution

South America: Amazon, S?o Francisco and Essequibo River basins. Possibly in the Orinoco River basin.

Range

Unknown

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

21 °C

Water Temperature To

24 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 6.0 - 7.8; dH range: ? - 25 demersal

Trophic Level

2.76 s.e. 0.29 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

100.0 cm

Common Length

59.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.6250 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

High vulnerability (63 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated