Sierra catfish

Doras carinatus

Vibrates pectoral spines for sound

Tropical
Coastal
Lower river
Southern Hemisphere
Regional distribution
South America
Medium
Tropical fish

Doras carinatus is a species of thorny catfish found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela. This species grows to a length of 30.0 centimetres (11.8 in) SL. This species can emit sounds by moving its pectoral spines. Every basic unit of sound emitted lasts for 60–70 milliseconds, with a frequency of 60–90 hertz corresponding to the reply frequency of the muscles utilized.

Class: Teleosts
Order: Catfishes
Family: Doradidae
Genus: Doras
Maximum length: 30 cm
Distribution: South America: Essequibo River basin and other coastal drainages east to mouth of Amazon River, possibly in lower Amazon and lower Orinoco River basins. Forms inhabiting lower Amazon and lower Orinoco are tentatively identified as Doras carinatus and may represent one or more undescribed species.
Conservation status: LCLeast Concern

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