Chaetostoma machiquense facts for kids

The Chaetostoma machiquense is a type of catfish that lives in fresh water. It's part of a big family of fish called Loricariidae, which are often known as "armored catfish" because many of them have bony plates on their bodies. This special fish is found in South America.

About the Machiques Catfish

The Chaetostoma machiquense is a unique kind of catfish. It was first officially described by scientists in 1953. This fish is known for its small size. It usually grows to about 6.6 centimeters (which is about 2.6 inches) long. This measurement, called "SL" or Standard Length, means the length from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail fin.

Where Does It Live?

This interesting fish makes its home in South America. Specifically, you can find it in Venezuela. It lives in the Negro River basin, which is a river system that flows into Lake Maracaibo. Lake Maracaibo is a very large body of water in northwestern Venezuela. This area is its natural habitat, meaning it's where the fish has lived for a very long time.

What Does It Look Like?

Like other fish in the Loricariidae family, the Chaetostoma machiquense is a type of armored catfish. This means it has special bony plates on its body that act like armor, helping to protect it. These fish often have flattened bodies and mouths that are shaped like suckers. This sucker mouth helps them to cling to rocks and other surfaces in fast-moving water. They also use their mouths to scrape algae and other tiny bits of food from surfaces.

See also

• In Spanish: Chaetostoma machiquense para niños