Pimelodina flavipinnis

Taxobox
name = "Pimelodina flavipinnis"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Siluriformes
familia = Pimelodidae
genus = "Pimelodina"
genus_authority = Steindachner, 1877
species = "P. flavipinnis"
binomial = "Pimelodina flavipinnis"
binomial_authority = Steindachner, 1877
synonyms = "Pimelodina nasus"
Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888

"Pimelodina flavipinnis" is the only species of the genus "Pimelodina" of the family Pimelodidae of catfish (order Siluriformes). [cite journal|url=http://silurus.acnatsci.org/ACSI/library/biblios/2007_Ferraris_Catfish_Checklist.pdf|title=Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types|first=Carl J., Jr.|last=Ferraris|journal=Zootaxa|volume=1418|pages=1–628|year=2007|format=PDF]

Distribution

"P. flavipinnis" occurs in the Amazon River from the Capim River to the Ucayali River and at least the lower reaches of Amazonian tributaries such as the Rio Negro and Madeira River. It also can be found from the Orinoco River basin. It may also be widely distributed in the Llanos of Venezuela.cite journal|title=Revision of "Pimelodina" and Description of a New Genus and Species from the Peruvian Amazon (Pisces: Pimelodidae)|first=Donald J.|last=Stewart|journal=Copeia|year=1986|pages=653–672|number=3|doi=10.2307/1444947|volume=1986]

Description

"P. flavipinnis" grows to a length of about 34 centimetres (14 in) SL. There are three pairs of barbels, one pair maxillary and two pairs under the chin. This species has a highly variable coloration.

Ecology

"P. flavipinnis" is found in lagoons. These fish migrate upriver during June and July. This species likely feeds through suction on the benthos. Seeds and coarse sand grains were found in the stomach of one specimen, while another had a stomach full of aquatic insects.

Relationship to humans

"P. flavipinnis" is a food fish. In central Brazil they are caught by commercial fishermen through the use of lampara seines. They are also exploited as they migrate upstream during June and July.

References