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Calegari, B. B. et al. 2026 (1)

Description: Trachelyichthys epachrus differs from all congeners by having the posterior process of the epioccipital as a simple spine, not in contact with the parapophysis of the fifth vertebra (vs. posterior process of epioccipital bifurcated, with the mesial ramus sutured to the parapophysis of the fifth vertebra). In addition, the new species differs from all congeners, except T. gaiophanes, by the uniform brown colouration of the body (vs. light brown ground colour with darker brown to black irregular spots on body), and a lateroventrally expanded posterior nuchal plate (vs. posterior nuchal plate without lateroventral expansions). Trachelyichthys epachrus is further distinguished from T. gaiophanes by having 42–45 total anal-fin rays (vs. 37–41) and a wider body (width at antero-lateral cleithrum 24.1–25.2 vs. 20.6–23.5% SL). The new species further differs from T. displicatus and T. gaiophanes by having three free pterygiophores supporting the dorsal-fin soft rays (vs. four free pterygiophores), (Calegari, B. B. et al. 2026) Aquarium Care: Keeping this species is not too much of a problem as long as the water is kept clean and not too alkaline with a p.H.of between 6.5 and 7.0. They do like a planted aquarium where they like to hide out during the day. Diet: In the aquarium a good mixture of dry food such as flake and tablet. Worm food such as bloodworm, whiteworm and grindal, (Calegari, B. B. et al. 2026). Etymology: Trachelyichthys: trachely, referring to close similarity to and relationship with Trachelyopterus; ichthys; fish. The specific name epachrus: From the Greek epakros (epakros), masculine, meaning pointed at the end, in reference to the pointed posterior process of the epioccipital. An adjective.

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Auchenipteridae

South America: Known from blackwater tributaries to the middle Rio Madeira, Rio Amazonas basin, Brazil.

4.0cm (1½ins)

22-25°c (71-77°f.)

6.5-7.0.

Calegari, B. B., Akama, A., Ferraris Jr., C., & Reis, R. E.. (2026). Hidden diversity of the catfish genus Trachelyichthys (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae): a revisionary study with description of four new species from the Amazon basin. Neotropical Ichthyology, 24(2), e250200.
Fish in the News 2026.