Hypostomus basilisko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hypostomus basilisko |
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The Hypostomus basilisko is a type of catfish. It belongs to a group of fish called Loricariidae, which are also known as armored catfish because they have bony plates on their bodies. This fish comes from South America. You can find it in the Salobra River basin, which is part of the larger Paraguay River basin in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil.
About the Basilisk Pleco
Hypostomus basilisko is often found in places with clear water. It likes areas with different types of ground, like sand, rocks, and fallen leaves.
Where it Lives and What it Eats
Bigger Hypostomus basilisko fish often rest on sand or leaf litter during the day. At night, they swim to rocky areas to find food. Sometimes, they might also look for food during the day. Smaller fish look for food both day and night in shallower water.
These fish mainly eat periphyton. This is a slimy layer of tiny plants and other living things that grows on rocks and sunken wood. They scrape it off with their mouths.
How Big it Gets
The Hypostomus basilisko can grow to be about 19.8 centimeters (about 7.8 inches) long. This is roughly the length of a standard pencil or a small ruler.
Naming the Fish
This fish is sometimes sold for aquariums. In the aquarium hobby, it's often called the basilisk pleco. This name comes from its scientific name, basilisko. The name "basilisk" refers to a mythical creature from old stories, often described as a serpent or dragon with deadly powers.
Scientists officially described this fish in 2014. At the same time, they also described another similar fish called Hypostomus khimaera. This fish was also named after a mythical creature, the chimera, which was a monster made of parts from different animals.
