The Hypostomus genus
has 7 soft rays to the dorsal fin whereas the similar
looking Pterygoplichthys species have 10 soft
dorsal fin rays. Aquarium Care: As
with most of this genus, will do well in a larger
aquarium, although this is one of the smaller species
in the genera, and the aquarium well filtered. Water
parameters can be quite diverse for this genera. Diet:
Omnivore with a liking for green, tablet and frozen
foods. Etymology: The specific name
hemiurus: Half-tailed, from hemisys, half,
and urus, from ourá, tail, presumably referring
to its oblique, emarginate caudal fin, its lower rays
usually less than twice the length of its middle rays.
Remarks:
The image contributor in the first thumnail image
captured this species in the Upper Ireng River, Guyana.
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
Plecostomus hemiurus
Family:
Loricariidae
Distribution:
South America:
Coastal drainages of Guyana. Type Locality:
Amatuk [Potaro River], British Guiana.
Size:
20.0cm. (8ins)
Temp:
23-29°c (73-85°f.)
p.H.
6.0-7.5.
IUCN
Red List
Assessed
as Least Concern
due to its abundance, lack of threat, and unrestricted
range. Needs updating (IUCN 2009).
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