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Hatcheria macraei facts for kids

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Hatcheria macraei
PSM V68 D522 Hatcheria a mountain catfish.png
Scientific classification
Genus:
Hatcheria
Species:
macraei

The Hatcheria macraei is a special kind of fish known as a pencil catfish. It's the only species in its group, called a genus. This fish can grow to be about 20.8 centimeters (or 8.2 inches) long. That's roughly the length of a standard pencil!

You can find the Hatcheria macraei in rivers that are east of the Andes mountains in Argentina. These rivers are located between 29° and 45°30′S latitude.

What is a Pencil Catfish?

Pencil catfish are a type of fish that belong to the family called Trichomycteridae. They often have long, slender bodies, which is why they are sometimes called "pencil" catfish. These fish are usually found in freshwater environments. They are known for living in fast-flowing rivers and streams.

Where Does the Hatcheria macraei Live?

This unique fish makes its home in the rivers of Argentina. Specifically, it lives in the rivers that flow down from the eastern side of the Andes mountains. The Andes are a very long mountain range in South America. The rivers in this area can be quite cold and clear, often fed by melting snow from the mountains.

The specific area where the Hatcheria macraei lives is quite large, stretching across different parts of Argentina. This shows that it can adapt to various conditions within these mountain rivers.

Size and Appearance

The Hatcheria macraei is a medium-sized fish for a catfish. Growing up to 20.8 centimeters (8.2 inches) means it's not a giant, but it's big enough to be easily seen. Like many catfish, it likely has whiskers, called barbels, around its mouth. These barbels help the fish feel and taste its surroundings, especially when looking for food in murky water or at night.

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