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Jair Panduro (3) Ivan Sazima (2)

Description: Vertebrae: 42. Belongs to the Trichomycterus brasiliensis species-complex based on the possession of the following apomorphic characters unique in Trichomycterus: four longitudinal rows of well-defined blotches formed by very dense concentration of dark chromatophores in the deeper layer of skin; and pectoral fin with I+5-6 rays. Members of this putative clade, except T. iheringi, may be further distinguished from other species of Trichomycterus in having the bases of the pelvic fins very close to each other, sometimes in contact. Differs from the remaining species of Trichomycterus (except T. brasiliensis and T. potschi) in retaining the primordial epiphyseal cartilaginous bar separating the anterior and posterior cranial fontanels even in larger individuals. Habitat: A rheophilic species which dwells on limonite rocky bottom streamlet with pebbles and sand, and pools with muddy bottom and accumulated plant debris. Diet: Crepuscular and nocturnal, it forages on the bottom and picks mostly benthic prey. Feeds on immature aquatic insects (ephemeropterans, trichopterans, and plecopterans) with larger individuals preying on small tadpoles. Colouration: Distinguished further from other species of the T. brasiliensis species-complex and from all congeners in the following putative autapomorphies: row of blotches on lateral surface not forming a lateral stripe in any stage during ontogeny; and superficial layer of pigmentation of juveniles and larger, presumably adult, specimens formed by scattered chromatophores. Etymology: The specific name maracaya: (also mbaracaya) is a Tupi-Guarani Amerindian name for the margay wild cat (Leopardus wiedii), an allusion both to the blotched pigmentation pattern of this species and its predatory habits on vertebrates (tadpoles). Remarks: Trichomycterus maracaya is naturally uncommon and not very abundant. However, no significant threats were identified that put the population at risk. Therefore, Trichomycterus maracaya was assessed as Least Concern (LC), (IUCN 2022).

Margay Pencil Catfish

None

Trichomycteridae

South America: Pardo River drainage, upper Paraná River, southeastern Brazil.

5.0cm. (2ins)

16-26°c (59-79°f.)

6.0-7.0.

Bockmann, F.A. and I. Sazima, 2004. Trichomycterus maracaya, a new catfish from the upper rio Paraná, southeastern Brazil (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae), with notes on the T. brasiliensis species-complex. Neotrop. Ichthyol. 2(2):651-74.
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2023. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, ( 06/2023 ).
Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBio). 2022. Trichomycterus maracaya. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022.