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Ripsaw Catfish — printable fact sheet
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Ripsaw Catfish
Oxydoras niger
The Ripsaw Catfish is a large, armored freshwater fish native to South America, particularly the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. Recognized by the sharp, bony scutes lining its lateral sides—resembling a saw blade—it uses these for protection against predators. It is a benthic …
Did you know?
- The Ripsaw Catfish can produce audible grunting sounds underwater by grinding its pectoral fin bones against its shoulder girdle.
- The Ripsaw Catfish can grow up to 1 meter in length, making it one of the largest armored catfish species. Its bony plates can make handling difficult, as they easily cut through nets or skin. Despite its size, it is a gentle giant and often coexists peacefully with other fish in the wild.
What I learned
Draw the ripsaw catfish
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