Colomesus psittacus (Bloch & Schneider 1801)

Body except for snout, pectoral base and caudal peduncle covered with prickles; teeth fused into plates, two plates on each jaw; nostril with two openings; body dark green dorsally with six transverse black bars, white ventrally; fins dusky green or dark brown (Ref. 13608).

White spot Disease. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 11

Solitary or in groups of 2 or 3 individuals but never in schools (Ref. 35237). Inhabits shallow inshore waters usually on soft bottoms. Frequently found in freshwater (Ref. 13608). When threatened, it becomes inflated like a balloon, in order to ward off predators. Carnivorous, feeding mainly on mollusks which crushes with its powerful teeth (Ref. 35237). Of negligible commercial importance and usually not marketed (Ref. 5217).

aquarium: commercial