Hemiodontichthys acipenserinus (Kner, 1853)
photo by Sneegas, G.W.

Family:  Loricariidae (Armored catfishes), subfamily: Loricariinae
Max. size:  13.4 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  South America: Amazon, Essequibo, Oyapock, and Paraguay River basins.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Lives on sandy bottom where it feeds on worms and micro-crustaceans. Mature males develop a huge labial veil and teeth with spoon-shaped crow (versus pointed ones in females and juveniles). Unlike most Loricariidae, they don't have well developed odontodes on the snout and pectoral fins. During reproduction, the males bear a cluster of eggs fixed to their lips, which they provide with ventilation during movement. About one week after hatching, the alevins leave their parent's protection (Ref. 35381).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 October 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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