Kingdom Animalia Family Loricariidae Scientific name Hypostomus punctatus Higher classification Hypostomus | Order Siluriformes Genus Hypostomus Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
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Similar Hypostomus, Loricariidae, Catfish, Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus, Pterygoplichthys | ||
The suckermouthed catfish (Hypostomus punctatus) is a tropical fish belonging to the armored suckermouth catfish family (Loricariidae). Hypostomus punctatus is a freshwater fish native to South America, in the coastal drainages of southeastern Brazil and Uruguay. It is one of a number of species commonly referred to as 'plecostomus' or 'common pleco' by aquarists.
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Description
Suckermouthed catfish is a species of Loricariidae. Like other members of this family, it has a suckermouth, armor plates, strong dorsal and pectoral fin spines, and the omega iris. These fish grow to about 30 centimetres (12 in) TL.
Hypostomus punctatus is difficult to distinguish from closely related species, such as Hypostomus plecostomus. Identification is relatively difficult as there are many different similar species labelled as common pleco. This species has a light brown coloration with a pattern of darker brown spots (the last part of its scientific name, punctatus, means "spotted"). Because of this, the species may also be known as the spotted hypostomus. There is no striping pattern. Also, they are lighter than H. plecostomus.
Habitat and ecology
It is found in the wild in fast-flowing rivers as well as in flooded areas. This stream-dweller's preferred water temperature is 22–28°C, pH range is 5–8, and dH range 0.5–25. The suckermouthed catfish is mainly herbivorous and feeds on algae, detritus as well as plants and roots.
