Callichthyidae

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | 455 words | Copyright

Callichthyidae (armoured catfish; subclass Actinopterygii, order Siluriformes) A large family of small, bottom-dwelling, freshwater fish. The body is covered with tile-like scales, the head shows a rather steep profile, and the ventrally positioned mouth is surrounded by barbels. Several species, when exposed to oxygen-deficient water, can gulp in air and store it in the gut. There are about 130 species, occurring in the tropical rivers of S. America.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Callichthyidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Callichthyidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Callichthyidae.html

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