Genus · Catfish

Hemidoras

Hemidoras is a genus with 2 species in this atlas, catalogued in the Catfish section, recorded from Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. Adult sizes run from 5.5 in to 7.5 in. Every species below links to a full researched profile.

Species in atlas
2
Adult sizes
5.5–7.5 in
IUCN assessed
2 of 2
Recorded from
4 countries

About the genus

Hemidoras is a genus of thorny, or 'talking', catfish in the family Doradidae, distributed across South American river systems in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. As in other doradids, the body carries a row of bony lateral scutes armed with small spines, and the pectoral-fin spines can be rubbed against the shoulder girdle to produce an audible stridulating sound, the trait that gives the family its 'talking catfish' name. Hemidoras species are nocturnal, bottom-dwelling omnivores that forage over sediment and detritus after dark. Hemidoras morrisi and Hemidoras stenopeltis are mid-sized members of the genus, running from roughly 5.5–7.5 in.

Detailed natural-history and husbandry data for these two species specifically are sparse in the literature. Doradid catfish as a group are popular with specialist catfish keepers for their armored appearance, scavenging habits, and nighttime activity, but Hemidoras has little established presence in the aquarium trade compared to better-known doradid genera. Both species are currently Not Evaluated by the IUCN, which is typical for the less conspicuous members of South America's very diverse thorny-catfish fauna.

IUCN Red List: Not Evaluated · 2

The 2 species

Every Hemidoras recorded in this atlas. Each card links to a full researched profile — distribution, water parameters, and aquarium care, cited to primary sources.

Eigenmann, 1925

5.5 in SL · NE

(Kner, 1855)

7.5 in SL · NE

Explore further

How to cite

Aquarist Atlas (2026). Genus Hemidoras. Aquarist Atlas. https://www.aquaristatlas.com/hemidoras/

← All Catfish