talking catfish

fish

Also known as: Acanthodoras spinosissimus

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The "talking catfish" (Acanthodoras spinosissimus) is an armored species from the Amazon that makes grunting sounds. Catfish, belonging to the order Siluriformes, are known for their long, whisker-like barbels around their mouths. Many species have spines near their dorsal and pectoral fins, which can be venomous.1

Catfish produce sounds in various ways. Some use a spring-like mechanism attached to their swim bladder, which vibrates to create growling or humming noises. Others produce sounds by rubbing their dorsal and pectoral spines together. These sounds, along with highly developed hearing, are crucial for communication, especially for schooling and reproduction, helping to identify mates and maintain species integrity. Catfish are generally bottom-dwelling, often nocturnal, and most are scavengers.21

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catfish
…urogenital openings of bathers; the talking catfish (Acanthodoras spinosissimus) is an armoured, Amazonian species that makes grunting sounds; the upside-down catfishes (Synodontis batensoda and others) of the family Mochokidae habitually swim upside down; the walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) is an air breather of the family Clariidae that can travel overland.
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…urogenital openings of bathers; the talking catfish (Acanthodoras spinosissimus) is an armoured, Amazonian species that makes grunting sounds; the upside-down catfishes (Synodontis batensoda and others) of the family Mochokidae habitually swim upside down; the walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) is an air breather of the family Clariidae that can travel overland.
Read More