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Jaime Culebras (1)

Abstract: Astroblepus is a genus of endemic Andean catfishes with problematic taxonomy because of cryptic diversity, ambiguous historical descriptions, and morphological plasticity. This study applied an integrative taxonomy approach—combining DNA barcoding (COI gene), geometric morphometrics, and traditional morphological characters—to assess the species diversity within the genus Astroblepus in the Esmeraldas River basin (Ecuador), where five species are currently recognised. A total of 395 specimens were analyzed (386 for morphometrics, 33 for genetics), integrating both new and publicly available sequences (Chugá-Puetate KP et al. 2026). Astroblepids are closely related to the Loricariids, and in fact one genus of fish (Lithogenes Eigenman, 1909) seems intermediate between the two families, having the shape and form of an Astroblepid, but some plates on the body and other morphological characters closer to Loricariids. At the time of writing, Lithogenes is currently placed in Loricariidae. Habitat: This species is only known from the Mataje and Santiago basins in northwestern Ecuador (Jiménez-Prado et al. 2015). Its type locality is the Andes of Ecuador (Regan 1904). It occurs between 1,000 to 2,700 m asl. It does not appear to have been conclusively recorded from nearby Peru. Its EOO is estimated as 5,700 km² (calculated as the minimum convex polygon around the known sub-catchment(s) where the species occurs). The lack of precise data on distribution prevents from estimating the number of locations or whether its population is severely fragmented. Aquarium Care: Not an easy family of catfishes to keep so they would have to have a large tank with rocks and some appropriate vegetation. The water would need to be fast flowing and provided with extra oxygen via an air tube fed into the powerhead flow. The tank should be set up with rocks so as to provide an area where the water current will be slower. Diet: Invertebrates, insect larvae, spirulina tablets or paste, algae based foods and live bloodworm would probably be the staple diet but you may wish to try glassworm and blackworm (although these won’t tend to stay on the substrate unless the current takes them there). Etymology: The specific name fissidens: fissus (L.), cleaved or split; dens (L.), tooth, probably referring to premaxillary teeth, which are “acutely” bicuspid or “more or less Y-shaped”.

Regan's Climbing Catfish

Arges fissidens

Astroblepidae

South America: Río Mataje, Río Guayas, Río Esmeraldas basin. Type locality: Andes of Ecuador.

9.0cm (3½ins)

15-20°c (57-67°f.)