Haemomaster venezuelae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Haemomaster venezuelae |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Haemomaster
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| Species: |
venezuelae
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The Haemomaster venezuelae is a special kind of catfish. It's the only known species in its group, called a genus, which is named Haemomaster. This small fish lives in the big Amazon and Orinoco River basins in South America.
It was first discovered and named by a scientist named George S. Myers in 1927. This tiny fish usually grows to be about 6.6 centimetres (or 2.6 inches) long. This measurement is called its "standard length" (SL), which means from its nose to the base of its tail.
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About the Haemomaster venezuelae Fish
The Haemomaster venezuelae is a fascinating example of a species that stands alone in its genus. This means it's quite unique! It belongs to the larger group of fish known as catfish. Catfish are famous for their whisker-like feelers, called barbels, around their mouths.
What is a Catfish?
Catfish are a very diverse group of fish. They live in many different freshwater environments around the world. They get their name from the "whiskers" they have, which look a bit like a cat's. These whiskers help them find food in murky water. Many catfish are bottom-dwellers, meaning they live near the bottom of rivers and lakes.
Where the Haemomaster venezuelae Lives
This particular catfish lives in two of the largest river systems in South America. These are the Amazon and Orinoco River basins. These river systems are huge and home to an incredible variety of plants and animals. The Amazon basin, for example, is the largest rainforest in the world. It has countless rivers and streams. The Orinoco basin is also a major river system. It flows mostly through Venezuela and Colombia.
Size and Appearance
The Haemomaster venezuelae is a small fish. It typically reaches a length of about 6.6 centimetres. This is roughly the size of your index finger. Scientists measure fish using something called "standard length" (SL). This measurement goes from the tip of the fish's snout to the start of its tail fin. It helps scientists compare the sizes of different fish accurately.
Its Scientific Name
Every living thing has a scientific name. This name is used by scientists all over the world. The scientific name for this fish is Haemomaster venezuelae. The first part, Haemomaster, is the name of its genus. The second part, venezuelae, tells us its specific species. This name often hints at where the animal was found. In this case, "venezuelae" suggests it was found in or near Venezuela.
