What highly definitive structural characteristic runs along the back ridge from the head toward the dorsal fin origin in *A. catus*?
Answer
A gap or depression
Beyond easily observable traits like color and fin shape, there exists a subtle yet definitive structural cue located on the dorsal profile. Experts note that individuals classified as *A. catus* consistently exhibit a gap or depression in the body ridge that extends along the back starting from the head towards the origin point of the dorsal fin. The presence of this break or contour irregularity is critical because its absence, or the presence of a smooth, unbroken ridge, would strongly suggest misidentification with other catfish species. This feature provides high confidence in identification, even when other less stable characteristics are ambiguous.
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