Callichthyidae
Callichthyids are fairly small catfish, and range in size from some tiny Corydoras species that do not exceed 2 centimetres (0.79 in) to Hoplosternum littorale, which some sources list as growing to a length of up to 24 centimetres (9.4 in) TL.The mouth is small and ventral with one or two pairs of well-developed barbels.The dorsal and pectoral fins have strong spines, and there is a spine at the anterior border of the adipose fin.The scutes that give these fish their namesake are one of the most obvious characteristics of these fish. The body has two rows of overlapping bony plates on each side. These plates are arranged so they overlap along the rows, as well as between the rows, giving full protection, but at the same time allowing some freedom of movement. These scutes connect with the solid bones of the head, and the head itself may be covered with bony plates. The upper row of lateral scutes may either meet on the back or there may be a narrow bare area that may be filled in with small oval or roundish bony platelets.
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