Family: |
Loricariidae (Armored catfishes), subfamily: Hypostominae |
Max. size: |
50 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
Environment: |
demersal; freshwater; pH range: 6.5 - 7.80000019073486; dH range: 4 - 20 |
Distribution: |
South America: Orinoco River basin. Reported from Argentina (Ref. 9086). Introduced and have established in Taiwan, mainland USA and Hawaii (Refs. 5723, 44091, 58503). |
Diagnosis: |
|
Biology: |
Occurs in streams and lakes (Ref. 44091) and in weedy, mud-bottomed canals (Ref. 5723). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Nocturnal, feeds on algae (Ref. 13371), but will also feed on worms, insect larvae, and other bottom-dwelling aquatic animals (Ref. 44091). Spawning period peaks once a year (Ref. 56986). Reproductive behavior includes digging of burrows for egg laying (Ref. 82067). May exhibit male parental care (Ref. 56986). |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 24 August 2020 Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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