These are tiny catfish. The standard length of A. kiriri is only about 30 mm (a hair over one inch).  Aspidoras is very closely related to Corydoras and are often mistaken for Corydoras in the aquarium trade.  For example, Aspidoras pauciradiatus, sold to aquarists, is often mistaken for a Corydoras.

The new Aspidoras was discovered in very acidic waters with a pH of 4.55 and relatively low dissolved oxygen levels of 7.3 mg/l at 21.0 ºC (70 ºF).  Their blackwater habitat is full of organic debris.  Some specimens were even found in very small mud-bottomed pools less than 10 cm deep.

The new species is described in Neotropical Ichthyology.

(a) Map showing geographic distribution of Aspidoras kiriri (white dot represents type locality);

(b) type locality, Brazil, Bahia, Serra da Jibóia, Varzedo, rio da Dona basin, riacho Cai-Camarão.