Phago loricatus (Harnache phago)

The Phago Loricatus fish, also known as the Heroisson fish due to its thorny shell, is a freshwater fish from the standing and shallow water from South America. Its shell is made up of bone plates covered with scales and gives it a robust and resistant appearance. Its color varies from dark gray to dark brown, with lighter spots on the belly.

Heroisson fish measures about 15 centimeters in length and has a life expectancy of around 10 years. It is mainly active at night and spends the day hidden under the rocks or in the crevices at the bottom of the water. The Heroisson fish is mainly feeding on small crustaceans and insects, which it captures using its pointed teeth and its thorns to catch and shred them.

Due to its thorny appearance, the Heroisson fish is often considered as an unusual pet, although it is not very popular in aquarium. It is also sometimes used as a bait for fishing, due to its ability to attract larger fish thanks to its rapid movements and threatening thorns.

Heroisson fish is considered a species threatened in its natural habitat due to the pollution and destruction of its habitat. It is protected by law in certain countries, but its trade remains illegal in most places.