Gephyromochlus leopardus (Hoedeman, 1961)
Gephyromochlus leopardus
photo by Sabaj PĂ©rez, M.H.

Family:  Auchenipteridae (Driftwood catfishes), subfamily: Centromochlinae
Max. size:  10.9 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  South America: Coastal rivers of the Guianas.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 4-4; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 12-14
Biology:  Occurs in shallow creeks with sandy-muddy substrate rich in plant debris. Rarely found in principal river beds (Ref. 27188). Although not abundant, it appears to be well-adapted to its environment as evidenced by its leopard outfit which enables it to camouflage itself. The isolated captures suggest a solitary existence. Unlike the Tatia which lives mostly in estuaries, G. leopardum appears to live mainly in the upstream portion of rivers (Ref. 35381).
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 05 August 2020 (B1ab(ii,iii)+2ab(ii,iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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