Baryancistrus

Taxobox
name = "Baryancistrus"


image_width = 250px
image_caption = "Baryancistrus" L-18
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Siluriformes
familia = Loricariidae
subfamilia = Hypostominae
tribus = Ancistrini
genus = "Baryancistrus"
genus_authority= Rapp Py-Daniel, 1989
subdivision_ranks = Species [ITIS|ID=679411|taxon="Baryancistrus"|year=2007|date=May 5]
subdivision =
* "B. demantoides"
* "B. longipinnis"
* "B. niveatus"
* Includes undescribed L-numbers

"Baryancistrus" is a genus of freshwater Loricariid catfish. They inhabit regions of the Amazon river in countries such as Brazil and Venezuela.

Most "Baryancistrus" are differentiated from other related genera by a membrane connecting their dorsal fin and anal fin, not present in other genera. [cite journal|url=http://silurus.acnatsci.org/ACSI/participants/profiles/Sabaj/pdfs/Werneke_etal2005.pdf|title="Baryancistrus demantoides" and "Hemiancistrus subviridis", two new uniquely colored species of catfishes from Venezuela (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)|first=David C.|last=Werneke|coauthors=Sabaj, Mark H.; Lujan, Nathan K.; Armbruster, Jonathan W.|journal=Neotropical Ichthyology|volume=3|issue=4|pages=533–542|year=2005|publisher=Sociedade Brasileira de Ictiologia|format=PDF|doi=10.1590/S1679-62252005000400011]

The species of this genus are mainly herbivores and detritivores, but may take other foods too. Most have probably not been bred in captivity. It is difficult to sex these fish, including adult specimen. These fish are mainly nocturnal, but will also emerge from their hiding places during the day, after some time getting accustomed to the aquarium. They will benefit from root or driftwood to gnaw on, and plenty of hiding places.

Gold Nugget plecs

"Baryancistrus" includes the catfish often referred to as Golden nuggets. They occur naturally in the Xingu River. They grow slowly, and can reach lengths of up to 20 cm (7.8 in). They are popular aquarium fish, though they demand a high water quality.The ideal temperature is 24 - 28 °C (75 - 82 °F), and the pH should be between 6,5 - 7,4.

There are three types of Gold Nuggets in the aquarium trade; L-018 (also known as L-085), L-081 and L-177. Whether these are separate species, or subspecies of a single one, has not yet been determined. The Golden nuggets are described with L-numbers in wait of a proper scientific classification.

* L-081 has small dots.
* L-018/L-085 has medium-sized dots.
* L-177 has large dots.they are aggressive toward smaller fish

List of "Baryancistrus sp." L-numbers

Though there are many types of fish described as "Baryancistrus", there are many that yet to be given a true scientific designation, and are only referred to under the L number system, including the Gold Nuggets. Here is a list of "Baryancistrus" by L-number designation. The common name and scientific name are included when available, though some of these fish are only commonly referred to by their L-number. For those fish without a scientific name, they are assumed to be "Baryancistrus sp."

* Note: L200 is also used to refer to "Hemiancistrus subviridis", another Loricariid that is very similar in appearance.

ee also

*List of freshwater aquarium fish species

References