Ancistrus occloi facts for kids

Ancistrus occloi is a fascinating type of catfish that lives in fresh water. It belongs to a family of fish called Loricariidae, which are often known as "armored catfish" because they have bony plates on their bodies. This unique fish is found in South America, specifically in the Urubamba River area in Peru.

Meet the Ancistrus occloi

Ancistrus occloi is a special kind of fish. It's part of the Ancistrus group, which includes many different types of catfish. These fish are known for their unique mouths, which act like suction cups. This helps them stick to rocks and other surfaces in fast-moving water. They also use their mouths to scrape off algae, which is their main food.

Where Does This Fish Live?

This particular fish, Ancistrus occloi, makes its home in the Urubamba River basin. This river system is located high up in the mountains of Peru, a country in South America. The Urubamba River is famous for flowing through beautiful and often challenging environments, including parts of the Andes Mountains.

How Big Does It Grow?

Ancistrus occloi is not a very large fish. It can grow up to about 11.6 centimeters (which is about 4.6 inches) long. This measurement is called "SL," or Standard Length. Standard Length means the measurement is taken from the tip of the fish's snout to the base of its tail fin.

Living in High Places

One of the most interesting things about Ancistrus occloi is where it lives. It is known to inhabit high-altitude areas. This means it lives in rivers and streams that are very high up in the mountains. Living at high altitudes can be challenging for fish because the water might be colder, and there might be less oxygen. This shows how tough and adaptable Ancistrus occloi is!

See also

In Spanish: Ancistrus occloi para niños