Apistoloricaria
| Apistoloricaria | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Loricariidae |
| Subfamily: | Loricariinae |
| Tribe: | Loricariini |
| Genus: | Apistoloricaria Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1986 |
| Type species | |
| Apistoloricaria condei Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1986
| |
Apistoloricaria is a genus of armored catfishes native to South America.
Taxonomy[edit]
The genus name comes from the Greek apisto meaning uncertain and the Latin lorica or loricare meaning cuirass or corslet of leather. Apistoloricaria is not well diagnosed and upon further examination, may prove to be a synonym of Rhadinoloricaria.[1]
Species[edit]
There are currently four recognized species in this genus:[2]
- Apistoloricaria condei Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1986
- Apistoloricaria laani Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1988
- Apistoloricaria listrorhinos Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1988
- Apistoloricaria ommation Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1988
Distribution and habitat[edit]
Representatives of this genus are distributed in the upper Amazon and Orinoco drainages, along the Atlantic slope of the Andes.[1]
Appearance and ecology[edit]
These fish range from 10–14 centimetres (4–5.5 in) SL.[2] In members of this genus and other closely related genera, the body is strongly depressed and the pelvic fins are used for locomotion, enabling these fish to appear to “walk” on the substrate.[1] Sexual dimorphism is apparent through differentiated lip structure. The lip surfaces of the male are rather papillose while those of the female are filamentous.[1]
These species are abdomino-lip brooders; eggs are laid in a single layered mass, and are attached to the surface of the lower lip and abdomen of the male.[1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e Covain, Raphael; Fisch-Muller, Sonia (2007). "The genera of the Neotropical armored catfish subfamily Loricariinae (Siluriformes: Loricariidae): a practical key and synopsis" (PDF). Zootaxa. 1462: 1–40. Retrieved 2009-06-25.
- ^ a b Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2011). Species of Apistoloricaria in FishBase. December 2011 version.
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