Trichomycterus diabolus Bockmann, Casatti & de Pinna, 2004

Family:  Trichomycteridae (Pencil or parasitic catfishes), subfamily: Trichomycterinae
Max. size:  22.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; depth range - 0 m
Distribution:  South America: Rio Paranapanema basin in southeastern Brazil.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 41-41. Distinguished from all other species of Trichomycterus, except for T. castroi, in having a conspicuous, vertical unpigmented band across the proximal region of caudal fin. Can be further differentiated from T. castroi in possessing that band occupying about 30% or less than the length of the caudal fin, and being more evident in the dorsal lobe as a white ocellus (vs. that zone distinctly broader, with approximately 80% of the length of the caudal fin and better defined as a whole) (Ref. 55400). Description: Dorsal fin iii,II,7. Anal fin iii,II,5 (Ref. 55400).
Biology:  A rheophilic species occurring solely in riffle areas of streams (Ref. 55400). Feeds mainly on young benthic aquatic insects during the day (Ref. 55400).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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