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Ochoa LE., et al 2020 (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. Description: This species is distinguished by the following characters: adipose fin has a mobile spine connected with the caudal peduncle by a membrane; maxillary wattle reaching beyond the oral disk; first pectoral radius shorter than head longitude; soft branching radii 6-7 associated to the third radial; first radius of pelvic fin does not reach the anus; premaxillary has a bicuspid tooth and 7-8 conical teeth in the outermost row; first simple radii of caudal fin have a short extension; fifth ceratobrachial bone with 7 teeth in the anterior region; free vertebrae 23-24. 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: In honour of agronomist Jorge Augusto Vera Mantilla, for his help in capturing the type specimens.

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Astroblepidae

South America: Colombia. Type locality: Departamento de Santander, Quebrada del Medio, afluente del río Chucurí, Vereda Chanchón, Municipio de San Vicente de Chucurí, Colombia, elevation 692 metres.

5.5cm (2¼ins)

15-20°c (57-67°f.)