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Nathan Lujan (3) Erling Holm (1)

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: Fishes of the family Astroblepidae are found in freshwaters streams (between 200 to 13,400 feet above sea level) of the tropical Andes from Panama to Bolivia, and occur in both the western Pacific and eastern Amazonian slope drainage systems in South and Central America. 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 trifasciatus: tri-, three; fasciatus, banded, presumably referring to three black bands on young specimens, although Eigenmann describes four: “across the head, another across the back at the base of dorsal fin, another across the anterior part of adipose and the back just in front of it, and another across the end of the caudal peduncle”. Remarks: Astroblepus trifasciatus has a wide range. It is affected by some threats, especially in the type locality (illegal mining) but also in other parts of its range (deforestation). However, the population as a whole is probably not declining at a rate that would warrant its listing in a threatened category. Hence, it is listed as Least Concern (IUCN). It is important to note that the type locality is severely threatened, which is relevant due to taxonomic uncertainties; a revaluation of this taxon may well show that the specimens from other localities actually represent a different species. Hence, a revaluation of conservation status must be performed once the taxonomy is clearer.

None

Cyclopium trifasciatum

Astroblepidae

South America: Dagua River basin and Pacific coastal drainages of Colombia; also Magdalena and Cauca River basins, Colombia. Type locality: Caldas, Colombia.

9.0 mm. (3½ins)

15-20°c (57-67°f.)