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There are now 6 species (2010) in this genus with L. avacanoeiro and L. parakana being added in the 2009 paper by de Carvalho Paixão & Toledo-Piza. The other four are L. filamentosus (La Monte, 1035), L. llanero Taphorn & Lilyestrom, 1984, L. maracaibero Taphorn & Lilyestrom, 1984 and L. stibaros Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1978. They can be identified by their round head, deep body, flattened caudal peduncle and the seven divided soft pectoral fin rays which is inclusive to this genera. L. stibaros is difficult to tell apart from the similar looking L. llanero but the ocular distance is less than L. llanero or L. filamentosus, also the wedge shaped spot of L. llanero is less distict on L. stibaros. Colouration: The pectoral fins of adult L. stibaros are yellowish. Aquarium Care: This genus is not the easiest to maintain in captivity as they will need to be fed on the right vegetarian food such as algae paste on flat stones which can be a bit of a hit and miss so would need to be tried on other veg foods and also frozen foods and other aquarium prepared foods. Water quality is also very important as any lapse such as deficient oxygen content will prove detrimental to this species. Will spend most of their time attached to the aquarium glass sides and will be difficult to feed as they will only move to the substrate for a few moments. If kept with other Loricaria species such as Sturisoma they will have to compete for food and they will eventually lose out. The breeding of this genera has been achieved but the raising of the fry has been problematic. A Loricariid for the experienced catfish keeper. Sexual Differences: Males tend to have odontodes (hair like structures) on the first ray of the pectoral fins and the head in males is broader.

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Loricariidae

Ecuador: Bobonaza River basin. Type locality: Ecuador, Prov. Pastaza, Río Amazonas system, Río Bobonaza at Chicherota, 2º25'S, 76º38'W, altitude approximately 260–280 m., upper Río Pastaza.

22.0cm. (8¾ins)

26-28°c (79-85°f.)

6.0-7.5.

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.