Acanthodoras is a genus of thorny catfishes native to rivers of tropical South America.

There are currently 3 recognized species in this genus:[1] These catfish lack scales, but their bodies are armored with a lateral row of bony plates.

[2] The dorsal and pectoral fin spines are stiff and sharp and can inflict a painful wound.

Due to their behavior of digging through the substrate for their food, sand or round gravel should be used to prevent damage to their barbels.

The eggs hatched after 4–5 days although unfortunately the young did not survive beyond the fry stage of development.