Hypostomus careopinnatus facts for kids
Hypostomus careopinnatus is a special type of catfish that belongs to the Loricariidae family. This family is known for its armored catfish. This fish lives in South America, specifically in the Taquari River basin. This river is part of the larger Paraguay River system in Brazil.
This unique fish is quite small, growing up to about 5.8 centimeters (2.3 inches) long. This measurement is called its standard length, which means it's measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail fin. H. careopinnatus is also thought to be a "facultative air-breather." This means it can breathe air directly from the surface, especially if the water doesn't have enough oxygen.
What makes H. careopinnatus really stand out is that it doesn't have an adipose fin. An adipose fin is a small, fleshy fin found on the back of many fish, usually between the dorsal fin and the tail fin. It doesn't have any bony rays. While another species, Hypostomus levis, also lacks this fin, scientists believe that this trait developed separately in both species.
Quick facts for kids Hypostomus careopinnatus |
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Where it Lives
Hypostomus careopinnatus is found in the freshwaters of South America. Its home is the Taquari River basin, which is located in the upper part of the Paraguay River drainage system. This area is in Brazil.
Unique Features
This catfish has some very interesting features that make it special.
Breathing Air
H. careopinnatus is known as a "facultative air-breather." This means it can breathe air from above the water's surface when it needs to. This ability is very helpful in environments where the water might not have a lot of oxygen, like in shallow or warm areas.
Missing Fin
One of the most unusual things about Hypostomus careopinnatus is that it does not have an adipose fin. Most catfish species have this small, fleshy fin on their back, near their tail. It's rare for a species in the Hypostomus group to be missing this fin. Another fish, Hypostomus levis, also lacks an adipose fin. However, scientists believe that these two species lost their adipose fins independently, meaning it happened in their family trees at different times.
Size and Appearance
Hypostomus careopinnatus is a relatively small fish. It grows to a maximum standard length of 5.8 centimeters (about 2.3 inches). The standard length is a common way to measure fish, from the tip of their snout to the base of their tail fin. Its appearance is typical of an armored catfish, with a body covered in bony plates.
