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Aphanotorulus ammophilus Armbruster & Page, 1996

Image contributors to this species:

Danny Blundell (2) Yann Fulliquet (1)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

L123 is identical to L094, as the latter was introduced as a Cochliodon species and given a second L-number. Description: Mouth with papillae and upper lips have protrusions. Sexual Differences: Similar to the Hypostomus genera but remains smaller with the males having bristles on the odontodes mainly on the posterier of the body during spawning time. Aquarium Care: Relatively easy to keep with higher temperatures and a fine sand substrate. Diet: Not fussy and will eat most prepared aquarium foods such as tablet, frozen and live foods. Etymology: The specific name ammophilus: Sand-loving, from ámmos or hámmos, sand, and phílos, friend or fond of, referring to its preference for sandy habitats.

Common Name:

L123, L094, Orinoco Leopard Catfish.

Synonyms:

None

Family:

Loricariidae

Distribution:

South America: Tributories of the Rio Orinoco in Venezuela and Colombia. Type locality: Venezuela, Estado Cojedes, Río San Carlos, R. Portuguesa drainage at Caño Hondo, 2 km west of Las Vegas on the road from Las Vegas to Campo Allegre – 9º31'51"N, 68º39'39"W.

Size:

20.0cm. (8ins)

Temp:

25-29°c (77-85°f.)

p.H.

6.5-7.5.

IUCN Red List

Aphanotorulus ammophilus is abundant and common throughout its range. The seems to be tolerant of poor water conditions as it is found in areas that have a lot of agriculture, and it can be found on sand and sand mixed with mud. Small juveniles are collected more commonly than most other similar loricariids indicating that the species is successfully reproducing. Because of its range and abundance, A. ammophilus is considered to be Least Concern (IUCN 2023).

Reference:

All L-Numbers Datz Special.
Ferraris, C.J. Jr., 2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628.
Seidel, Ingo; Back to Nature guide to L-catfishes 208 p.

Family: Loricariidae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails

Aphanotorulus ammophilus
Pair-male to front

Aphanotorulus ammophilus
Male

Aphanotorulus ammophilus

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