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 areL.
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 peduncleand 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.
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
None
Family:
Loricariidae
Distribution:
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.
Size:
22.0cm. (8¾ins)
Temp:
26-28°c (79-85°f.)
p.H.
6.0-7.5.
Reference:
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.
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