Britski's catfish facts for kids

Britski's catfish, officially known as Corydoras britskii, is a fascinating tropical freshwater fish. It belongs to a group of fish called armored catfish, found in South America. You can find this fish swimming in the upper Paraguay River basin in Brazil. It used to have a different name, Brochis britskii.

About Britski's Catfish

What Does It Look Like?

Britski's catfish has some special features. It has many rays on its back fin, usually between 15 and 18. This is more than most other Corydoras fish. Its snout (nose area) is shorter than some related fish, and its eyes are quite large.

This fish can grow to be about 8.8 centimeters (around 3.5 inches) long. Its head is covered by a big shield underneath, which even goes past its barbels. Barbels are like whiskers that help the fish feel and find food.

Where Does It Live and What Does It Eat?

Britski's catfish loves warm water. It lives in a tropical climate where the water temperature is usually between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius (68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit).

This fish is not picky about its food! It eats many different things found at the bottom of the river. Its diet includes worms, small crustaceans (like tiny shrimp), insects, and even plant matter.

How Does It Reproduce?

When it's time to lay eggs, Britski's catfish chooses places with lots of dense plants. The adult fish lay their eggs there, but they don't stay to guard them. The eggs are left to hatch on their own.

How Did It Get Its Name?

The name "Britski's catfish" was given to honor a person named Heraldo A. Britski. He was a curator (someone who takes care of collections) of fish at a museum in Brazil. Mr. Britski was the one who first showed this special fish to the scientists who later described it. He also allowed them to study it and give it its scientific name.

See also

In Spanish: Brochis britskii para niños

• List of freshwater aquarium fish species