Chaetostoma loborhynchos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chaetostoma loborhynchos |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Loricariidae |
| Genus: | Chaetostoma |
| Species: |
C. loborhynchos
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| Binomial name | |
| Chaetostoma loborhynchos Tschudi, 1846
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The Chaetostoma loborhynchos is a special kind of catfish. It belongs to a family of fish called Loricariidae, which are often known as armored catfish. This fish lives in South America, specifically in the Tambo River basin in Peru. This river system is part of the larger Ucayali River drainage.
This unique fish can grow up to about 14.2 centimeters (or 5.6 inches) long, measured from its snout to the base of its tail (this is called "standard length" or SL). The Chaetostoma loborhynchos is also very important because it is the type species for its group, or genus, called Chaetostoma. This means it's the main example that helps scientists define and understand all other fish in the Chaetostoma genus.
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About the Chaetostoma loborhynchos
The Chaetostoma loborhynchos is a fascinating fish. It's a type of catfish, but unlike some catfish you might know, it's part of the Loricariidae family. These fish are often called "armored catfish" because they have bony plates on their bodies. This gives them a tough, protective outer layer.
Where it Lives
This particular catfish is native to Peru, a country in South America. It makes its home in the Tambo River basin. A "river basin" is like a giant bowl where all the rain and water flow down into a main river. The Tambo River then flows into the larger Ucayali River, which is a major river system in Peru. This means the Chaetostoma loborhynchos lives in freshwater environments, often clinging to rocks or wood in fast-moving streams.
What it Looks Like
The Chaetostoma loborhynchos is a relatively small fish. It can grow to be about 14.2 centimeters long. That's roughly the length of a typical smartphone! When scientists measure fish, they often use "SL," which stands for "Standard Length." This measurement goes from the tip of the fish's nose to the base of its tail fin. The image above shows what this interesting fish looks like from a top-down view.
Why it's Special
This fish holds a special place in the world of science. It is known as the "type species" for its genus, Chaetostoma. Think of it like this: when scientists first discovered and named the group of fish called Chaetostoma, this specific fish, Chaetostoma loborhynchos, was the first one they used to describe what makes a Chaetostoma fish unique. It helps define the whole group!
Facing Challenges
Unfortunately, the Chaetostoma loborhynchos is facing some challenges. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), its conservation status is "Endangered" (EN). This means its population is at a high risk of becoming extinct in the wild. Many factors can lead to a species becoming endangered, such as changes to their habitat, pollution in their rivers, or other human activities. Protecting their natural homes is very important to help these unique fish survive.
See also
In Spanish: Chaetostoma loborhynchos para niños
 | Precious Adams |
 | Lauren Anderson |
 | Janet Collins |
