# Agamyxis pectinifrons The Agamyxis pectinifrons, also known as the striped catfish, is a unique fish with beautiful stripes. It loves to swim in rivers and is known for its friendly nature. - **Category:** [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fish) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Freshwater rivers ![Agamyxis pectinifrons](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/76421591/medium.jpg) Photo: Adolsomee, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/76421591) ## Appearance The Agamyxis pectinifrons is a small, robust mammal with a body covered in sharp, quill-like spines, typically dark brown to black. It has a distinctive flattened, comb-like muzzle that gives it a unique appearance compared to other spiny mammals. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Actinopterygii - **Order:** Siluriformes - **Family:** Doradidae - **Genus:** Agamyxis ## Interesting facts - Baby Agamyxis are born with soft quills that harden fast! - It uses super-sensitive whiskers to feel its way in the dark! - Its unique snout acts like a tiny rake to find yummy bugs! - This spiny mammal can curl into a tight ball for protection! ## Special abilities - **Quill Defense:** Agamyxis pectinifrons has sharp, movable quills that help them deter predators by presenting a formidable spiky barrier. - **Nocturnal Forager:** Agamyxis pectinifrons can navigate and find food in complete darkness because of its highly sensitive whiskers and keen hearing. - **Burrowing Expert:** Agamyxis pectinifrons can rapidly dig burrows with its strong claws that help them create safe havens and escape danger. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 15-25 cm - **Weight:** 0.2-0.5 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-8 years - **Speed:** 5 km/h - **Litter Size:** 2-4 - **Gestation:** 30-45 days ## Diet & Feeding This tiny mammal loves to munch on crunchy insects and larvae found in the soil. - **Primary Foods:** beetles, grubs, termites, ants, snails - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Eurasian Eagle-Owl](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eurasian-eagle-owl) (*Bubo bubo*) — Nocturnal predator that hunts small ground-dwelling mammals. - **Eaten by:** [Leopard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/leopard) (*Panthera pardus*) — Opportunistic predator that preys on small mammals. - **Eats:** Red Wood Ant (*Formica rufa*) — Feeds on these ants unearthed from their nests. - **Eats:** [European Rhinoceros Beetle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-rhinoceros-beetle) (*Oryctes nasicornis*) — Digs up and consumes their protein-rich larvae. ## Traits - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. ## Collections - [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fish) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always be careful near water and ask an adult before touching fish. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Agamyxis pectinifrons? Look at body shape, where the fins sit and their outline, mouth position, stripes and spots. Young fish and breeding adults can wear different patterns, and aquarium color varieties can look nothing like wild fish. Fish Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Agamyxis pectinifrons? 15-25 cm ### How much does Agamyxis pectinifrons weigh? 0.2-0.5 kg ### How long does Agamyxis pectinifrons live? 5-8 years ### How fast can Agamyxis pectinifrons move? 5 km/h ### What does Agamyxis pectinifrons eat? This tiny mammal loves to munch on crunchy insects and larvae found in the soil. ### Where is Agamyxis pectinifrons usually found? Freshwater rivers ### How does Agamyxis pectinifrons hunt? Foraging ## More Fish - [Rainbow Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rainbow-trout) (*Oncorhynchus mykiss*) - [Brown Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-trout) (*Salmo trutta*) - [Brook Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brook-trout) (*Salvelinus fontinalis*) - [Lake Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lake-trout) (*Salvelinus namaycush*) --- Source: [Agamyxis pectinifrons: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/agamyxis-pectinifrons)