Large dark catfish with a flat armored body, long fin rays, rough skin, and a wide head with a downturned mouth.

Adonis catfish

Acanthicus adonis
Where at Shedd?
Amazon Rising
Diet Algae, insects and plant matter
Size Length: Up to 2 ft (61 cm)
Type Fishes
Range Northeastern Brazil, South America
Habitat Lower Tocantins River basin

Did you know?

  1. The adonis catfish spawned for the very first time in Amazon Rising in 2012.
  2. One parent guarded the eggs for five days until they hatched. The baby fish (known as fry) remained close by for over two weeks.
  3. Then, we removed many of these fry from the habitat and placed them in our reserve area.
  4. All the world’s catfishes are divided into over 30 different families. Armored catfish are the largest family.
  5. As fry adonis catfish are almost as small as coins. As adults they can grow up to two feet.