Chaetostoma marmorescens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chaetostoma marmorescens |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification |
The Marbled Bristlemouth Catfish (scientific name: Chaetostoma marmorescens) is a special type of catfish that belongs to the Loricariidae family. These fish are native to South America. You can find them living in the Huallaga River basin, which is part of the larger Marañón River system in Peru. This fish can grow to about 13.5 centimeters (or 5.3 inches) long. They are known for living in high-altitude areas, which means they like places that are very high up, like mountains.
About the Marbled Bristlemouth Catfish
The Marbled Bristlemouth Catfish is a fascinating creature. It's a type of armored catfish, which means it has bony plates on its body instead of regular scales. This gives it a unique look and helps protect it. These fish are often found in fast-flowing rivers. They use their special mouths to cling to rocks and feed.
Where Does This Catfish Live?
This particular catfish species calls Peru its home. Specifically, it lives in the Huallaga River basin. This river is a big part of the Marañón River drainage system. Imagine a huge network of rivers and streams; that's where these fish thrive. They prefer the cooler, oxygen-rich waters found in higher elevations.
What Does It Look Like?
The Marbled Bristlemouth Catfish gets its name from its appearance. "Marbled" suggests it might have patterns that look like marble stone. "Bristlemouth" refers to its mouth, which is specially adapted. It has bristles or small teeth that help it scrape algae and other tiny organisms from rocks. This fish is not very big, reaching just over 13 centimeters in length. This makes it a medium-sized catfish.
