Manduba
📖 Overview
Prefers rivers in overgrown backwaters where the current is not too strong. Reported to be nocturnal. Feeds on fish and crustaceans. The flesh is esteemed for its very fine flavor. Frequently captured with nets, with males difficult to release from the nets because of its strong dorsal spine that is bordered with denticles . 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. Fertilization is internal, the female being capable of keeping the spermatozoids inserted in the epithelium of her genital tract .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical 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 .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Manduba is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Manduba is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Female lays eggs on plants a few days after fertilization . The females can preserve keep fertile spermatozoids by coating these with secretions of maternal origin and inserting these in the epithelium of its genital tract .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic; pH range: 6.5 - 7.8; dH range: ? - 20. Tropical; 22°C - 24°C South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Suriname, and Venezuela (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
fish and crustaceans
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Manduba is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 247 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Manduba has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Haplochromis quads · Manduba · Manduba, Slopehead catfish |
| 🌍CES | hrbohřbet bezbranný |
| 🇩🇪German | Guyana-Delphinwels |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | Ulappamonni |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Andubé · Bocarra · Bocudo · Doncellé · Fidalgo · Madubé · Mandibé · Mandobé · Mandube · Mandubi · Manduvê · Palmito · Peixe palmito |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Вооружённый сомик-агенейоз |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Doncella · Mandubá · Manduvá · Manduvé · Manduvé verde · Manduví |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ageneiosus armatus | Lacepède | 1803 | Synonym |
| Ageneiosus axillaris | Günther | 1864 | Synonym |
| Ageneiosus brevifilis | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Ageneiosus dawalla | Jardine | 1841 | Synonym |
| Ageneiosus gabardinii | Risso & Risso | 1964 | Synonym |
| Ageneiosus ogilviei | Fowler | 1914 | Synonym |
| Ageneiosus sebae | Günther | 1864 | Synonym |
| Ageneiosus therezinae | Steindachner | 1909 | Heterotypic |
| Ageneiosus therezine | Steindachner | 1909 | Heterotypic |
| Ageniosus axillaris | Günther | 1864 | Synonym |
| Ageniosus brevifilis | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Davalla schomburgkii | Bleeker | 1858 | Synonym |
| Hypothalmus dawalla | Jardine | 1841 | Synonym |
| Silurus inermis | Linnaeus | 1766 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 55 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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