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Ardila Rodríguez, C. A., 2025 (3)

A new species of the genus Lasiancistrus ruitoquensis sp. nov. is described from La Ruitoca stream in the municipality of Floridablanca, Department of Santander, eastern Colombia. Lasiancistrus ruitoquensis sp. nov. is distinguished from other species by the following characteristics, includes: A three-ripples process on the anterior part of the parieto-supraoccipital (PSO). Six large black irregular dots on the first ray of the pectoral fin. Eight ribs. The length of the first ray of the pectoral fin - length of the snout is much longer (38.1 - 22.9 mm). The length of the first radius of the pelvic fin exceeds the length of the snout (24.7 - 22.9 mm). Caudal fin bifurcated with the lower lobe longer than the upper lobe (35.4 - 30.3 mm). The maxilla with a wavy keel, in the posterior lower part. The urohyal, with an undulation in the central anterior part. The morphology of the otoliths, pelvic fin, branchiostegal rays and caudal fin are characteristic of the species. Aquarium Care: Relatively easy to keep but large males may tend to be territorial. Sexual Differences: Males have longer pectoral fins and have a heavier growth of odontodes behind the gill covers and on the edges of the snout. Diet: Herbivore: vegetarian food, tablets and pellets, insect larvae, zooplankton and soft wood. Etymology: The specific name ruitoquensis is a tribute from the author, with love to his homeland, Floridablanca. "Pedacito de Cielo", (Sandander department), in its 208 years of foundation, typical locality of this species, where the author first captured it in 1955. Remarks: It is the first endemic fish of Lasiancistrus to be discovered in the Department of Santander. A new species of this genus had not been classified for the Magdalena River for 83 years (Dahl, 1942).

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Loricariidae

South America: Colombia, departamento de Santander, municipio de Floridablanca, quebrada La Ruitoca, afluente del río de Oro, cuenca alta del río Lebrija.

11.0cm. (4½ins)

25-29°c (77-85°f.)

6.0-7.5.

Carlos A. Ardila Rodríguez, Lasiancistrus ruitoquensis sp. nov., Una nav a especies de Choque Bigotudo, (Siluriformes: Loricariidae), Del Municipio d Floridablanca, Departamento de Santander - Columbia. Peces del Departamento de Santander - Colombia. No. 110. November 7th 2025. Barranquilla, Colombia.
Carlos Arturo Ardila Rodriguez. pers comm. 2025.
Fish in the News 2025.