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Mark Henry Sabaj (1)

This genera is similar to the Ancistrus in appearance. They possess three stout odonodes concealed beneath the gill covers which act as a defense mechanism. Hopliancistrus tricornis is distinguished from its congeners by having four branched rays on anal fin (vs. five branched rays). Description: Hopliancistrus munduruku is distinguished from its congeners except H. tricornis by having large yellowish-white spots along the body, and dark brown spots on fins (vs. body covered by conspicuous small greenish-yellow dots of similar size on head, trunk and fins in H. wolverine; yellowish-white spots on posterior portion of the body moderate in size, usually smaller than pupil in H. xikrin; all fins covered by large yellowish-white spots in H. xavante). Can be distinguished from H. tricornis and H. wolverine by the connection strut between the anterior process of the compound pterotic and main body shaped as a continuous sheet (vs. connection strut narrow and bar-shaped, leaving a large posterior gap, see Fig 6). Also differs from H. tricornis by the possession of five branched anal-fin rays (vs. four), and from H. wolverine and H. xikrin by pectoral-fin spine length 24.5–30.9% of SL (vs. 32.1–38.4% of SL and 32.1–35.7% of SL, respectively). It differs from H. xikrin by the transverse processes of first and second dorsal-fin pterygiophores sutured to each other (vs. absence of contact between the transverse processes of first and second dorsal-fin pterygiophores). It differs from H. xavante by caudal peduncle depth 10.1– 11.3% of SL (vs. 11.5–12.9% of SL); by a narrow nasal bone plate (vs. broad nasal, sometimes slightly triangular, see Fig 2); and by having nuchal plate exposed and covered by odontodes (vs. nuchal plate covered by thick skin and usually lacking odontodes. Habitat: Hopliancistrus munduruku is currently known from upper Rio Jamanxim, Rio Tapajo´s basin, and upper Rio Curua', tributary of Rio Iriri, Rio Xingu basin, in the Novo Progresso municipality, Para' State. This disjunct distribution between upper tributaries to Tapajo's and Xingu basin suggests, like in other taxa, drainage capture by geologic events. Aquarium Care: Likes a current in the aquarium and are peaceful habitants. Likes a higher temperature and need frequent water changes to keep them in good health. Sexual Differences: Males posses a broad head region and more prominent bristling on the edge of the snout. Diet: Omnivore; veg foods such as lettuce, spinach, cucumber and veg. tablets. Live and frozen foods such as Cyclops, Daphnia and brine shrimp. Etymology: Named after the Munduruku, a large indigenous group inhabiting a large part of the southwestern Para' State along the Rio Tapajo's until the Rio Madeira in the Amazon State and the northern part of the Mato Grosso State in Brasil. The Munduruku people are well known for being powerful warriors and great strategists, and in recent years they have drawn much attention for the fight against the hydroelectric dams in the Xingu and the ones planned in the Tapajo's Rivers.

L361

None

Loricariidae

South America: Brazil, Rio Jamanxim.

13.0cm. (5¼ins)

26-30°c (79-87°f.)

5.5-7.0.