Soldier catfish and driftwood catfish

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Soldier catfish and driftwood catfish

Soldier catfish, Osteogeneiosus militaris 79, and driftwood catfish, Trachelyopterus galeatus 80. Handcolored copperplate engraving after Jacob Nilson from Gottlieb Tobias Wilhelms Encyclopedia of Natural History: Fish, Augsburg, 1804. Wilhelm (1758-1811) was a Bavarian clergyman and naturalist known as the German Buffon

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Media ID 23209250

© Florilegius/Mary Evans

Catfish Creature Driftwood Encyclopedia Gottlieb Ichthyology Jacob Militaris Nilson Tobias Wilhelm

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> Animals > Fishes > C > Catfish

> Mary Evans Prints Online > New Images August 2021

EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning handcolored copperplate engraving, taken from Gottlieb Tobias Wilhelm's Encyclopedia of Natural History: Fish, published in Augsburg, Germany, in 1804, showcases two intriguing species of catfish: the Soldier Catfish (Osteogeneiosus militaris) and the Driftwood Catfish (Trachelyopterus galeatus). The Soldier Catfish, depicted on the left, is a freshwater fish native to South America. It is named for its distinctive armor-like plates covering its body, which resemble the uniform of a soldier. The Driftwood Catfish, on the right, is also a freshwater species, native to the Amazon Basin. It derives its name from its unique ability to camouflage itself among driftwood and submerged vegetation, making it an excellent ambush predator. Jacob Nilson, a skilled engraver, created this exquisite work based on Wilhelm's meticulous observations and illustrations. Wilhelm, a Bavarian clergyman and naturalist, was known as the German Buffon for his extensive contributions to the field of ichthyology. His encyclopedia, which covered a wide range of marine and freshwater creatures, was considered a seminal work in the study of fish. The intricate details of the Soldier and Driftwood Catfish, captured in this engraving, are a testament to the high-quality production values of the time. The vibrant colors and precise lines bring these fascinating creatures to life, allowing us to appreciate their beauty and unique adaptations over two centuries after their discovery.

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