This species is monotypic.
Among Pimelodidae, it shares apomorphic features,
placing it near the diverse Calophysus-Pimelodus clade
and is closely related to Pimelodus
ornatus. Habitat:
Collected from large rivers with swift but not strong
currents with bedrock to boulder-strewn substrates.
Description: Dorsal spines (total):
2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 6; Anal soft rays: 8;
Vertebrae: 46 - 47. Distinguished with the following
three apomorphic anatomical complexes: 1.) mouth ventral
and transverse, supported by reoriented, much expanded
premaxillae and foreshortened mandibles; premaxillae
and dentaries densely covered with robust, needle-like
teeth arranged in a steeply-descending, antero-posterior
size series. 2.) lateral margins of orbit and otic
region elevated with textured ridges developed from
the frontal, sphenotic and pterotic bones surrounding
the supraorbital, otic and postotic lateralis sensory
canals. 3.) Interorbital septum severely compressed
as thin, apparently median, bony sheet. Aquarium
Care: Provide hiding places for this 'pim'
and you will be able to see it on the odd occasions
when food is introduced. Peaceful species but not
to be trusted with small fish such as tetras as they
will pick them of at night on their forays so they
must be kept with species larger or compatible with
it such as barbs, gouramis, cichlids and other South
American catfish. Diet: Most aquarium
fare such as tablet, flake, worm and frozen foods.
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
None
Family:
Pimelodidae
Distribution:
South America:
Upper Maroni River basin in French Guiana and Suriname.
Size:
14.0cm. (5½ins)
Temp:
24-25°C (75-77°F)
p.H.
6.5-7.2.
Reference:
Froese, R. and D. Pauly.
Editors. 2018. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic
publication. www.fishbase.org, version (12/2018).
Parisi, B.M. and J.S. Lundberg, 2009. Pimelabditus
moli, a new genus and new species of pimelodid catfish
(Teleostei: Siluriformes) from the Maroni River basin
of northeastern South America. Notulae Naturae (Philadelphia)
480:1-11. Mol, H.A. Jan, The Freshwater Fishes
of Suriname. BRILL, Leiden Boston, 2012. 889 p.
Pimelabditus
moli Head view-Tapanahony river,Suriname
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