SCOTCAT.COM

your internet guide to all things catfish

Hisonotus aky (Azpelicueta, Casciotta, Almirón & Koerber, 2004)

Image contributors to this species:

Paul Dixon (2) Ingo Seidel (2) Felipe Cantera (1)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Description: The following summary is from AZPELLICUETA et al (2004). Epactionotus (Hisonotus) aky is diagnosed by the following combination of characters: 1) 21 to 23 lateral plates; 2) light stripes extended from snout tip to supraoccipital level; 3) caudal fin with dark vertical stripes; 4) ventral surface of body completely covered by small platelets; 5) 1-4 feeble serrae on distal portion of pectoral spine posterior margin. Hisonotus aky (Azpelicueta, Casciotta, Almirón & Körber, 2004) was originally described in Epactionotus Reis & Schaefer, 1998 because of its supposed possession of three synapomorphies proposed for that genus. Neural spine of seventh vertebra not contacting nuchal plate dorsally (contacting unpaired predorsal plates), first dorsal proximal radial contacting the eighth vertebral centrum, and absence of an expanded fleshy flap on the dorsal surface of the first pelvic-fin ray in males. Also, Hisonotus aky possesses one of the additional diagnostic characters of Epactionotus: longitudinal light stripes on dorsal surface of head. However, the examination of type specimens of Epactionotus aky indicates the absence of most diagnostic features for the genus. Reproduction: Scatters eggs throughout the aquarium and are not cared for by the parents. This species has been bred by image contributor Paul Dixon and is shown here. Aquarium Care: Said to be a bit more problematic in the aquarium if good water quality is not adhered to. They rest on aquatic vegetation in the aquarium so long leaved plants are recommended. Cooler temperatures and a strong filtration with adequate current will fare better for this species and for this genera overall. Diet: Will feed on flake, algae, tablet foods and algae wafers. Etymology: The specific name aky: aky (language: guaraní) = green. Remarks: According to Evers et al, they are only found in a small area in the Rio Uruguay drainage in the Fortaleza Creek, close to the city of Paraiso.

Common Name:

Green Oto

Synonyms:

Epactionotus aky

Family:

Loricariidae

Distribution:

South America: Argentina, Yabotí-Guazú basin, Uruguay River system, Misiones. Type locality: Argentina, Misiones, Río Uruguay basin, Arroyo Garibaldi (26º38'46.1"S, 53º59'55"W).

Size:

4.5cm. (1¾ins)

Temp:

18-24°c (63-75°f.)

p.H.

6.5-7.2.

IUCN Red List

Despite the little information available on this species, it has a wide range and no apparent threats. Therefore, it is assessed as Least Concern (LC), (IUCN 2023).

Reference:

Azpellicueta, Casciotta, Almiron, & S. Korber, 2004, A new species of Otothyrini (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae) from the Río Uruguay basin, Argentina.
Evers, H.-G. & I.Seidel: Mergus, Baensch Catfish Atlas Volume 1, 1st English edn., 2005. Pp.944.
Ferraris, C.J. Jr., 2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628.
Salvador, G.N. 2023. Hisonotus aky. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023.
Tiago Pinto Carvalho; The species of Hisonotus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae) of the Rio Uruguay basin, southeastern South America in: A new species of Hisonotus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae) from the Laguna dos Patos Basin, Southern Brazil.

Family: Loricariidae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails

Hisonotus aky
Three day old fry.

Hisonotus aky

Hisonotus aky

If you would like to contribute to the monthly factsheets with an article, information or photos, please e-mail me. You will of course be credited for your work.

If you would like to donate any denomination of monies to the site just click the above link button. All proceeds will go to running the site and hopefully to keep it going for a few years yet.