Post by Ceratodromeus on Feb 19, 2016 11:48:31 GMT 5
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Siluriformes
Family: Loricariidae
Subfamily: Hypostominae
Genus: Pseudacanthicus
Species: P.pitanga
Description
Aptly named due to the red or orange coloration that can be found on the dorsal fin and tail, this species of armored catfish was discovered in 2015. The body coloration is a chocolate brown, with rows or darkly pigmented spots being found on the sides of the animal; It is distinguished from the other five species of the Pseudacanthicus genus via these morphological characteristics{1}. The holotype animal(catalogue number MZUSP 34296) measures 220mm(8.6in) in standard length. The species is known from a relatively small sample of 31 animal, with the smallest recorded measuring 86.5mm(3.4in) in standard length, and the largest measured 300mm(11.8in) in standard length. Despite only being described recently, this species of armored catfish is very well known to the fishermen of the Pará state, and is also a sought after fish in the aquarist trade due to its beautiful colorations.
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{1} A New Species of Ancistrini (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Hypostominae) from rio Tocantins Basin, North Brazil
Abstract
The genus Pseudacanthicus comprises five valid species distributed in the Amazon, Guyana and Suriname basins: P. serratus, P. fordii, P. histrix, P. spinosus and P. leopardus. A new species of Pseudacanthicus from the Tocantins river basin is described. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: presence of dark blotches anostomosing to form continuous zigzag bands alongside longitudinal keels; absence of blotches on ventral surface of body; faint blotches on head; all fins with orange to red color on unbranched ray and sometimes on subsequent branched rays; and sphenotic and sixth infraorbital not in contact. Brief comments on the phylogeny of the genus, ornamental fisheries activities, threats and conservation of the new species are also provided.
link to description paper
