Ancistrus bufonius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ancistrus bufonius |
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The Ancistrus bufonius is a special kind of catfish that belongs to the Loricariidae family. This family is known for its "armored" catfish, which have bony plates on their bodies instead of scales.
This fish is originally from South America. It lives in the Apurímac River basin, which is located in Peru. The Apurímac River is a large river system that flows through the Andes mountains.
Ancistrus bufonius can grow to be about 11.5 centimeters (or 4.5 inches) long. This measurement is called "Standard Length" (SL), which means it's measured from the tip of the fish's nose to the base of its tail fin.
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What is the Ancistrus bufonius?
The Ancistrus bufonius is a fascinating type of catfish. Catfish are a group of fish named for the whisker-like barbels around their mouths, which look a bit like a cat's whiskers. These barbels help them find food in murky water.
Armored Catfish
This particular catfish is part of the Loricariidae family. Fish in this family are often called "armored catfish" or "plecos." They have rows of bony plates covering their bodies, which act like armor to protect them from predators. Many of them also have a special mouth that works like a suction cup, helping them cling to rocks and eat algae.
Where Does the Ancistrus bufonius Live?
The natural home of the Ancistrus bufonius is in South America. Specifically, it lives in the Apurímac River basin.
The Apurímac River Basin
The Apurímac River is a very important river system in Peru. It starts high up in the Andes mountains and flows through different landscapes. This river basin provides the perfect habitat for the Ancistrus bufonius, with its freshwater environment. Fish like this often prefer rivers with clear, flowing water and plenty of rocks or wood to hide among.
How Big Does This Catfish Get?
The Ancistrus bufonius is not a very large fish. It typically grows to a length of about 11.5 centimeters.
Understanding Fish Length
When we talk about a fish's length, especially in scientific terms, we often use "Standard Length" (SL). This means measuring the fish from the very tip of its nose to the point where its tail fin begins. This measurement helps scientists compare the sizes of different fish species accurately. For Ancistrus bufonius, 11.5 cm is roughly the same as 4.5 inches.
See also
In Spanish: Ancistrus bufonius para niños
