Thorn Catfish

About

Found across the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo river basins of South America, Hassar orestis is a thorn catfish in the family Doradidae with a personality that can surprise you once you know it. Despite a moderately large adult size and a reputation that sounds intimidating on paper, this species poses little threat to most tankmates. It is not a predator in any meaningful sense. Small, slow-moving bottom dwellers like Apistogramma may find its bulk unsettling, but mid-water and surface fish tend to coexist with it without issue, and it gets along well with other catfish including Corydoras and most loricariids. That said, do not pair it with much larger or highly territorial fish, as it is surprisingly easy to bully. One of the more remarkable things about this species is its ability to produce audible sounds. Two distinct mechanisms involving the pectoral spines and swim bladder let it make buzzing and deeper resonating noises that can sometimes carry right through the aquarium glass. Keep at least three together, since this is a naturally shoaling species that becomes noticeably more confident and visible in a group. New imports can be fragile, so check for a full belly and clear eyes before buying. Once settled in, though, it tends to prove hardy enough for an intermediate keeper.