Hemiodontichthys acipenserinus

Taxobox
name = "Hemiodontichthys acipenserinus"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Siluriformes
familia = Loricariidae
subfamilia = Loricariinae
tribus = Loricariini
genus = "Hemicodontichthys"
genus_authority = Bleeker, 1862
species = "H. acipenserinus"
binomial = "Hemiodontichthys acipenserinus"
binomial_authority = (Kner, 1853)

"Hemiodontichthys acipenserinus" is the only species of the monotypic genus "Hemiodontichthys", a genus of the family Loricariidae 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] cite journal|url=http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2007f/zt01462p040.pdf|title=The genera of the Neotropical armored catfish subfamily Loricariinae (Siluriformes: Loricariidae): a practical key and synopsis|first=Raphael|last=Covain|coauthors=Fisch-Muller, Sonia|journal=Zootaxa|volume=1462|pages=1–40|year=2007|formattPDF]

Taxonomy

This taxon is often compared with the morphologically similar "Reganella depressa"; "Hemiodontichthys" has been considered the sister genus of "Reganella" on the basis of osteological data. However, the similar external morphology of these two taxa could be interpreted as an evolutionary convergence, as they occupy the same ecological niche. In both, there is a rostrum and the loss of maxillary teeth; these could have evolved independently in different lineages subjected to similar environmental constraints. Considering some of the morphological characteristics of the two species, "Hemiodontichthys" is now believed to be part of the "Loricariichthys" group, while "Reganella" is part of the "Pseudohemiodon" group.

Distribution

"H. acipenserinus" originates from the Amazon, Essequibo, Oyapock, and Paraguay River basins.

Description

"H. acipenserinus" reaches a length of about 13.4 centimetres (5.3 in) SL.FishBase species|genus=Hemiodontichthys|species=acipenserinus|year=2007|month=July] It has been reported that populations from the Amazonian region tend to be more slender than those from the Paraguay and Guaporé Rivers.

Ecology

"H. acipenserinus" is a sand dweller that lives partially buried in the substrate, its cryptic coloration providing efficient protection. It lives on the sandy bottom where it feeds on worms and micro-crustaceans.

As with other representatives of the "Loricariichthys" group, mature males develop hypertrophied lips for brooding eggs. Mature males develop a huge labial veil and teeth with spoon-shaped crowns; females and juveniles, the crowns are pointed. Unlike most loricariids, they don't have well developed odontodes on the snout and pectoral fins. Eggs are laid in a mass and held by the male in the fold made by its lips. The males bear the 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.

References