Ancistrus jelskii facts for kids

Ancistrus jelskii is a type of catfish. It belongs to the Loricariidae family, which are often called "armored catfish" because of their bony plates. This fish is found in the upper parts of the Tulumayo River basin. This river system is part of the larger Ucayali River in Peru, a country in South America.

Ancistrus jelskii is a small fish. It can grow up to 8 centimeters (about 3.1 inches) long. That's roughly the length of a credit card.

What is Ancistrus jelskii?

Ancistrus jelskii is a freshwater fish. It lives in rivers and streams. Like other Ancistrus species, it likely has a flattened body. This shape helps it stick to rocks in fast-moving water. They often have a special mouth. This mouth works like a suction cup. It helps them cling to surfaces. It also helps them scrape algae off rocks.

What Does It Look Like?

Ancistrus fish are known for their unique appearance. They often have bristles or "bushy" growths on their heads. These are more noticeable on males. The exact colors of Ancistrus jelskii are not widely described. However, many Ancistrus species are brownish or grayish. They often have spots or patterns. These patterns help them blend in with their surroundings. This is important for hiding from predators.

Where Does It Live?

This fish lives in the Ucayali River system. This is a large river system in Peru. The specific area is the upper Tulumayo River basin. River basins are areas of land. All the water from these areas drains into a single river. This means Ancistrus jelskii lives in a tropical environment. The water there is usually warm and flowing. They prefer clear, oxygen-rich water. They often hide among rocks and driftwood.

What Does It Eat?

Ancistrus jelskii is likely an herbivore. This means it mainly eats plants. Its suction-cup mouth is perfect for scraping algae. Algae grows on rocks and submerged wood. They might also eat small bits of plant matter. Sometimes, they might eat tiny insects or other small organisms. This diet helps keep the river clean. They are like the "clean-up crew" of the river.

See also

In Spanish: Ancistrus jelskii para niños