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Yann Fulliquet (6) Karsten Schönherr (1)

Description: Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 5. The genus Pseudolithoxus now includes six species, P. dumus, P. anthrax, , P. kelsorum, P. nicoi, and P. kinja. Previously described as the Lasiancistrus anthrax group. They are characterized by evertible cheek plates, a very dorsoventrally flattened body, extremely hypertrophied odontodes (integumentary teeth) on elongated pectoral spines and along the snout margin, and 3 rows of plates on the caudal peduncle. In addition, it appears as if females as well as males develop hypertrophied snout and pectoral-fin odontodes, traits normally restricted to nuptial males in other Loricariids. Colouration: Body colour light with large, black spots at least anteriorly; spots may combine posteriorly to form bars. Tips of dorsal and caudal spines with light orange to cream-coloured spots. Lateral line plates 24-25; dorsal plates 6-9; interdorsal plates 6-7; adipose-caudal plates 6-7; folded dorsal fin plates 11-14; and postanal plates 11-13. Aquarium Care: I would suggest a minimum size of 48” x 18” X 18” for one or two of these catfish, with plenty of hiding places amongst bogwood and plantsand the ideal aquarium substrate to use would be aquarium sand such as BD Aquarium Sand. As with all other species of fish, water quality and general husbandry is very important, and I would recommend that a minimum of 25% water is changed on a weekly basis. This fish has similar requirements to other loricariids, so should do well under normal aquarium conditions. Sexual Differences: Females have a narrower head with a larger body while males possess odontodes on the edge of the snout, behind the gill cover and to the pectoral fin spine. Diet: Omnivore: vegetable and animal foods such as green foods, vegetable tablets, live and frozen foods.

L244

Lasiancistrus dumus

Loricariidae

South America: Orinoco Basin, upper and Casiquiare River basins.

13.0cm. (5ins)

25-29°c (77-85°f)

6.0-7.0.

Armbruster, J.W. and F. Provenzano, 2000. Four new species of the suckermouth armored catfish genus Lasiancistrus (Loricariidae: Ancistrinae). Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwat. 11(3):241-254.
ScotCat Factsheet no. 164. Feb 2010