Hopliancistrus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hopliancistrus |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hopliancistrus
|
| Species: |
tricornis
|
The Hopliancistrus tricornis is a special type of suckermouth armored catfish. It is the only known species in its genus, Hopliancistrus. This fish can grow up to about 10.4 centimeters (4 inches) long.
About This Fish
This unique fish lives only in Brazil. You can find it in the Tapajós and Xingu River basins. These are large river systems in South America.
What Makes It Special
The Hopliancistrus tricornis looks a bit like another group of fish called Lasiancistrus. However, it has some key differences. For example, it has five rows of bony plates on its tail area, while Lasiancistrus only has three.
One of the most interesting features of the male Hopliancistrus tricornis is on its head. Males have three strong, curved spines on each side of their head. These spines are called odontodes. They make the fish look like it has small horns, which is where its name "tricornis" comes from, meaning "three-horned."
