Genus: Aspredinichthys, Banjos  , Sevenbarbed Banjo Catfish

ASPREDINICHTHYS

SEVENBARBED BANJO CATFISH, BANJOS  

Head and front of body broad and flattened; body long, slender, tapering to a whiplike end; a strong bony shield on top of head; eyes tiny; front and rear nostrils separated by a space >nostril diameter; mouth under head; a pair of barbels (with a small associated barbell) at top lip that lack a membrane joining them to side of head, underside of head and belly with 7 or more pairs of barbels; gill opening a tiny slit before pectoral fin base; dorsal fin base short, with 1 weak spine; no skin flap 2nd dorsal fin; anal fin with a very long base, 50-60 rays; pectoral fin low on side, with a strong lockable spine; no scales.

A genus of primarily freshwater catfishes from S America; 2 species in brackish wate, one entering the southern fringe of the Greater Caribbean.