Cetopsidium ferreirai facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cetopsidium ferreirai |
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Cetopsidium ferreirai is a unique kind of whale catfish that lives only in Brazil. It's a special fish because it's endemic, meaning it's found naturally nowhere else in the world! You can find this fish swimming in the Trombetas River, which is a large river that flows into the mighty lower Amazon River. Scientists officially described this species in 2005.
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Meet the Cetopsidium Ferreirai
The Cetopsidium ferreirai is a fascinating fish from the catfish family. It's often called a "whale catfish" because some fish in this group can look a bit like tiny whales, especially with their smooth, scaleless skin. These fish are usually small and have a unique body shape. They are known for living in fast-moving waters.
What is a Whale Catfish?
Whale catfishes are a group of fish that belong to the family Cetopsidae. Unlike many other catfishes, they often don't have the long whiskers (called barbels) that you might expect. They also tend to have very smooth skin without scales, which is unusual for fish. They are usually small to medium-sized fish. Many of them live in rivers and streams in South America.
Where Does it Live?
The Cetopsidium ferreirai calls the Trombetas River its home. This river is located in the northern part of Brazil. It's a very important tributary of the Amazon River. A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river. The Amazon River is the largest river in the world by discharge volume.
The Trombetas River
The Trombetas River is a major river in the Amazon basin. It flows through the Amazon rainforest, which is an amazing place full of diverse plants and animals. The river's waters are often dark, which is common for rivers in rainforest areas. This dark color comes from decaying plants. The river provides a perfect habitat for fish like the Cetopsidium ferreirai. It offers plenty of food and places to hide.
Why is it Special?
This fish is special because it is endemic to Brazil. This means that the Cetopsidium ferreirai naturally lives only in a specific area of Brazil. If a species is endemic, it's very important to protect its habitat. Losing its home could mean losing the species forever. Scientists continue to study these unique fish to learn more about them and how to keep them safe.
See also
In Spanish: Cetopsidium ferreirai para niños
