Callouses

Callouses
	Callichthys callichthys
Systematics
Cohort :	Otomorpha
Sub-cohort :	Ostariophysi
Order :	Catfish (Siluriformes)
Subordination :	Loricarioidei
Family :	Armored and calloused catfish (Callichthyidae)
Subfamily :	Callouses
Scientific name
	Callichthyinae
	Hoedeman , 1952

The callous catfish (Callichthyinae) are one of two subfamilies of the armored and callous catfish (Callichthyidae). They occur in northern and central South America south to the Río de la Plata and with one species on the Pacific side of Panama ( Hoplosternum punctatum ) and with four species on Trinidad .

features

Calluses are generally larger than the representatives of their sister group , the armored catfish (Corydoradinae), and reach lengths of 9 to 22 cm. Their body is more elongated, more round or oval in cross-section and not flattened on the sides. Their barbels , one or two pairs on the upper lip and one or two pairs on the lower lip, are long and spread forward.

Way of life

Calluses are often found in very oxygen-poor waters and can ingest atmospheric air through their mouths. At night and in high humidity they are able to leave the water with the help of their long, powerful pelvic fin rays, to cover short distances on land and to change to a more favorable habitat. In contrast to the substrate-spawning armored catfish, the callused catfish build a foam nest for reproduction .