Hisonotus alberti facts for kids

Hisonotus alberti is a tiny type of catfish that belongs to a family called Loricariidae. These fish are also known as "armored catfish" because many of them have bony plates on their bodies, like armor! Hisonotus alberti lives in fresh water and is found in the big Paraná River and São Francisco River areas in Brazil. Scientists officially described this species in 2016.

What is Hisonotus alberti?

Hisonotus alberti is a small fish, often called a "dwarf" or "otos" catfish. It's part of a group of fish that are very popular in aquariums because they help keep tanks clean by eating algae. These fish are usually shy and like to hide among plants or rocks in their natural homes.

Where Does It Live?

This special catfish comes from the warm, freshwater rivers of Brazil. It lives in two very important river systems:

• The Paraná River basin, which is one of the largest river systems in South America.
• The São Francisco River basin, another major river in Brazil.

These rivers provide the perfect home with plenty of plants and places to hide.

What Does It Look Like?

Like other fish in the Hisonotus group, Hisonotus alberti is small, usually only a few centimeters long. It has a flattened body and a mouth that points downwards, which is perfect for scraping algae off surfaces. Its colors usually help it blend in with the riverbed, often shades of brown or gray with patterns that look like camouflage.

What Does It Eat?

Hisonotus alberti is mostly a herbivore, which means it loves to eat plants. Its main food source is algae that grows on rocks, wood, and plants in the river. It uses its special mouth, which acts like a suction cup, to cling to surfaces and scrape off its food. Sometimes, it might also eat tiny bits of decaying plant matter or very small insects.

Life in the River

These small catfish are an important part of the river ecosystem. They help keep the environment clean by eating algae, which can sometimes grow too much. They are also food for larger fish and other animals, playing a role in the food chain.

Habitat and Behavior

Hisonotus alberti prefers clear, flowing water with lots of plants and submerged wood. They are often found in groups, grazing on surfaces. Because they are so small, they need places to hide from predators like bigger fish or birds. They are mostly active during the day, constantly searching for food.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Like most fish, Hisonotus alberti reproduces by laying eggs. The female fish lays her eggs, and the male fertilizes them. The eggs are often laid on plants or other surfaces in the water. Once the tiny fish hatch, they grow quickly, feeding on microscopic organisms until they are big enough to eat algae like their parents. Their life cycle is typical for small freshwater fish, focusing on survival and growth in their river home.