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Carlos A. Ardila Rodriguez (1)

Astroblepids are closely related to the Loricariids, and in fact one genus of fish (Lithogenes Eigenman, 1909) seems intermediate between the two families, having the shape and form of an Astroblepid, but some plates on the body and other morphological characters closer to Loricariids. At the time of writing, Lithogenes is currently placed in Loricariidae. Astroblepus putumayoensis is recognised among the other species of the genus Astroblepus by its adipose fin with thorn insert, connected with the caudal peduncle with a membrane. Description: Vertebrae: 21 - 22. Distinguished by having a movable spine connected to the caudal peduncle with a membrane in adipose fin, 7 soft radii, premaxillary with 1-5 bicuspid teeth and 4-6 conic teeth in external row, and 21-22 free vertebrae. Habitat: Fishes of the family Astroblepidae are found in freshwaters streams (between 200 to 13,400 feet above sea level) of the tropical Andes from Panama to Bolivia, and occur in both the western Pacific and eastern Amazonian slope drainage systems in South and Central America. Colouration: The head is of a Brown, black eyes. Oral medium (1.6 disc (-7.1 mm). Lateral region of the body with brown background and Yellow irregular spots, a large yellow spot in the anterior region of the spine of the adipose fin, another half of the fat and another yellow spot in the start of the pectoral fin. Caudal fin with a band vertical dark brown base and spokes with points of the same colour; the first simple radios are equal and a little long. Yellow abdomen. Aquarium Care: Not an easy family of catfishes to keep so they would have to have a large tank with rocks and some appropriate vegetation. The water would need to be fast flowing and provided with extra oxygen via an air tube fed into the powerhead flow. The tank should be set up with rocks so as to provide an area where the water current will be slower. Diet: Invertebrates, insect larvae, spirulina tablets or paste, algae based foods and live bloodworm would probably be the staple diet but you may wish to try glassworm and blackworm (although these won’t tend to stay on the substrate unless the current takes them there).

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Astroblepidae

South America: Colombia, Department of Putumayo, Rumiyaco River. AFL font of the Mocoa River. Municipality of Mocoa.

4.5cm. (1¾ins)

15-20°c (57-67°f.)