This genus was previously placed
in its own family of Ageneiosidae and you can still
find some publications that still follow this line.
Description: Anal soft rays: 34 - 40; Vertebrae:
46 - 51. Body naked and elongated. Head is pointed
and depressed at the top. Mouth is big and wide. The
lateral eyes are situated along the level of the mouth,
ensuring a vision above and below. Exhibits sexual
dimorphism, like A. dentatus. The first ray
of the dorsal fin is very long and has pointed spines.
Habitat: Prefers rivers in overgrown backwaters
where the current is not too strong. Reproduction:
During reproduction, the mandibular barbels and dorsal
spine of the male change, and a copulatory organ appears
at the anterior level of the anal fin. Fertilisation
is internal, the female being capable of keeping the
spermatozoids inserted in the epithelium of her genital
tract. Aquarium Care: As per this
genera they will be fine as juveniles, but as they
mature they become predatory so would need to be kept
with fish that are not too small. A large tank would
be needed with plenty of swimming space. Diet:
Feeds on fish and crustaceans. Its flesh is esteemed
for its very fine flavour. Is reported to be nocturnal.
Frequently captured with nets, the males are difficult
to release from the nets because of its strong dorsal
spine bordered with denticles. Etymology:
The genus name Ageneiosus: beardless, pertaining
to the very small maxillary barbels. The Specific
name inermis: “pinnis inermibus,”
i.e., unarmed fins, an apparent misnomer since this
catfish possesses dorsal- and pectoral-fin spines.
Remarks:
The species Ageneiosus marmoratus is now
considered a junior synonym of A. inermis (Ribeiro,
F. R. V. et. al 2017).
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