Genus · Catfish

Liosomadoras

Liosomadoras is a genus with 2 species in this atlas, catalogued in the Catfish section, recorded from Brazil and Peru. Adult sizes run from 6 in to 6.5 in. Every species below links to a full researched profile.

Species in atlas
2
Adult sizes
6–6.5 in
IUCN assessed
2 of 2
Recorded from
2 countries

About the genus

Liosomadoras is a genus of driftwood catfish (family Auchenipteridae) from the Amazon basin, with the atlas recording both species from Brazil and Peru. Like other auchenipterids, Liosomadoras has a smooth, scaleless body patterned to mimic waterlogged wood and bark — effective camouflage among the submerged branches and leaf litter that make up its favored habitat. Both species are modest in size for the family, around 6–6.5 in, and are nocturnal, sheltering by day and becoming active hunters after dark.

Morrow's driftwood catfish (L. morrowi) and the jaguar catfish (L. oncinus) are both established, if somewhat specialist, aquarium fish — kept for their striking mottled or spotted patterning and interesting nocturnal behavior, generally in a dim, driftwood-furnished tank with plenty of cover. As in other auchenipterid catfish, fertilization is internal via a modified anal fin in males, an unusual reproductive strategy among catfish that makes captive breeding reports rare. Conservation status is only partly assessed (L. oncinus Least Concern, L. morrowi Not Evaluated).

IUCN Red List: Least Concern · 1 Not Evaluated · 1

The 2 species

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

Fowler, 1940

Morrow's driftwood catfish

6 in SL · LC

(Jardine, 1841)

Jaguar catfish, Jaguar driftwood catfish

6.5 in SL · NE

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How to cite

Aquarist Atlas (2026). Genus Liosomadoras. Aquarist Atlas. https://www.aquaristatlas.com/liosomadoras/

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