Raphael catfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Raphael catfish |
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| Illustration by Gronow, 1754 | |
| Scientific classification |
The Raphael catfish (Platydoras costatus) is a cool type of fish that lives in rivers in South America. It's known for its spiky, or "thorny," body and its unique stripe. This fish can be found in countries like Suriname and French Guiana.
For a long time, people sometimes mixed up the Raphael catfish with other similar fish in the Platydoras family, especially the "true" striped Raphael catfish (P. armatulus). But there's a simple way to tell them apart!
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About the Raphael Catfish
The Raphael catfish is a kind of catfish that has a special defense: its body is covered in bony plates and spines, making it feel "thorny." This helps protect it from predators in the wild.
What It Looks Like
The Raphael catfish can grow to be about 24 centimeters (about 9.4 inches) long. One of the easiest ways to tell it apart from its close relative, the striped Raphael catfish (P. armatulus), is by looking at its stripe. The Raphael catfish has a light-colored stripe along its body, but this stripe does not go all the way onto its head. The striped Raphael catfish, however, has a stripe that continues onto its head.
Where It Lives
This interesting fish is native to rivers in Suriname and French Guiana. These countries are located in the northern part of South America. The catfish lives in freshwater environments, often hiding among rocks or plants.
Raphael Catfish and People
Sometimes, local people catch Raphael catfish for food. It's not a main fish that people eat, but it's part of what they catch. The Raphael catfish is also a popular fish for people who have aquariums. Its unique look and calm nature make it a good pet fish for many aquarists.
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