- Hypostomus punctatus
Taxobox
name = Suckermouthed Catfish
regnum =Animal ia
phylum = Chordata
classis =Actinopterygii
ordo =Siluriformes
familia =Loricariidae
genus = "Hypostomus "
species = "H. punctatus"
binomial = "Hypostomus punctatus"
binomial_authority = (Valenciennes,1840 )The Suckermouthed Catfish ("Hypostomus punctatus") is a
tropical fish known as aPlecostomus belonging to the armored suckermouth catfish family (Loricariidae ). "Hypostomus punctatus" is a freshwater fish native to South America, in the coastal drainages of southeastern Brazil. It is one of a number of species commonly referred to as theCommon Pleco byaquarist s.Appearance and anatomy
Suckermouthed catfish is a species of Loricariidae. Like other members of this family, they have a
suckermouth , armor plates, strong dorsal and pectoral fin spines, and theomega iris . These fish grow to about 30centimetre s (12 in)."Hypostomus punctatus" is difficult to distinguish from closely related species, such as "
Hypostomus plecostomus ". Identification is relatively difficult as there are many different similar species labelled asCommon Pleco . This species has a light brown coloration with a pattern of darker brown spots (the last part of its scientific name, "punctatus", means "spotted"). Because of this, the species may also be known as the Spotted Hypostomus. There is no striping pattern. Also, they are lighter than "H. plecostomus".cite web|url=http://www.planetcatfish.com/cotm/cotm.php?article_id=64|title=PlanetCatfish::Catfish of the Month::July 1998|publisher=PlanetCatfish.com|date=2006-08-18|accessdate=2007-05-18]Habitat and ecology
It is found in the wild in fast-flowing rivers as well as in flooded areas. This stream-dweller's preferred water temperature is 22–28°C,
pH range is 5–8, and dH range 0.5–25.FishBase species|genus=Hypostomus|species=punctatus|year=2007|month=May] The Suckermouthed catfish is mainly herbivorous and feeds onalgae ,detritus as well as plants and roots.In the aquarium
The Suckermouthed catfish is a pretty hardy fish. In the aquarium, it is suitable for an appropriately sized community tank, being peaceful to most other fish. However, large individuals of this fish are territorial and may be somewhat aggressive to its own kind.
The Suckermouthed catfish has not been reported to spawn and breed in aquarium; it is thought to spawn in mud burrows dug into the side of riverbanks in its natural habitat.
ee also
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List of freshwater aquarium fish species References
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