What is an armoured catfish???

Answer 1

This is a tropical fish found throughout South America. Average size about 3 inches. It is called "armoured" because of the two rows of plate-like skin that run along its flanks.There are many species of this fish and they seem to be a favorite with people who keep aquariums. Here is a link to a site where you can see many pictures of armoured catfish. Just click on Cat-e-log once you get there: http://www.planetcatfish.com

Answer 2

Armoured catfish may refer to any of the following:

* Loricariidae family: The armoured suckermouth catfish, also known as suckermouth catfish, armoured catfish or simply 'plecs'
* Callichthyidae family: Armoured catfish. Includes the genera:
o Corydoras sometimes referred to as armoured catfish
o Callichthys known as the Armoured catfish
* Callichthys callichthys a species popular in the aquarium trade, common name 'The Armoured catfish'

* The Thorny catfishes Doradidae are also sometimes referred too as Armoured catfish.

Answer 3

The armoured catfishes are several species and families of catfish with their bodies covered, at least partially, in bony plates.
While other members of the catfish order (Siluriformes) have naked bodies (they don't have scales like other fish), these catfishes have series of bony plates along their bodies, especially dorsally.
The Loricariidae (we call them "viejas del agua" or "water old women") have at least 3 rows of bony plates on each side of the body. Their mouth is ventral and they have very small teeth, which they use to scrape algae and leaves of aquatic plants. As an interesting note, in many species the lower lip of the males is greatly enlarged and is used to transport and protect the masses of eggs when they breed. Some loricarids have beautiful colors and are used for aquariums; the sizes may vary from a few centimetres to quite massive animals 30-40 cm long!
Here's a common one, genus Hypostomus:
http://www.aqvaterra.com/photos/peces/otros/pag1/zoom/rio_santa_lucia_paso_pache_canelones_hypostomus_spp_400x300.jpg

The Callichthyidae are also armoured catfishes, but differ from the loricarids because they only have 2 rows of bony plates on each side of the body. Some of these species are used in aquaria as glass cleaners, such as the Corydoras:
http://www.hotzeltopf.de/albums/Panzerwelse/weiss_nicht_wie_er_heisst_panzerwels_5.jpg
Like the loricarids, many are adapted to live in freshwater environments with very little oxygen and can even breathe air. And some also take care of their eggs, but using their paired fins to carry them.

The members of family Doradiidae are not completely covered with bony plates; they have a row of plates with caudally directed hooks on each flank. Some of these are quite big and actually quite edible. And they produce grunty noises, so some species are called "armado chancho" ("pig armoured catfish") because of it.
This is a common genus from Argentina, Oxydoras:
http://oregonstate.edu/~moyerg/Dissertation/Dissertation%20pictures/Oxydoras%20niger2.jpg
As you can see, the mouth is more terminal and indeed these fish are predators, not herbivores.

Answer 4

they are 4 Basic Catfish in the USA. The Channel, Blue,Flathead and Mud Cat. There is a Walking Catfish Also,but as far as an Armored one I have Never Heard of It.