Hypostomus denticulatus facts for kids

Hypostomus denticulatus is a type of catfish that belongs to the Loricariidae family. These fish are also known as "armored catfish" because they have bony plates covering their bodies. This species lives in South America, specifically in the Corumbá River in Brazil. This river is part of the larger Paraná River system.

Hypostomus denticulatus was first described in 2008. Scientists Cláudio H. Zawadzki, Claude Weber, and C. S. Pavanelli gave it its scientific name. They also described another similar species, Hypostomus heraldoi, at the same time.

What it Looks Like

This fish can grow to about 19.1 centimeters (or 7.5 inches) long. That's about the length of a standard pencil! Like other armored catfish, it has a flattened body and a mouth shaped like a sucker. This helps it cling to rocks and surfaces in the water.

Where it Lives

Hypostomus denticulatus prefers to live in water that is a bit cloudy or "turbid." Its home usually has a bottom made of rocks mixed with some sand. This type of habitat provides places for the fish to hide and find food.

Friends and Neighbors

This catfish often shares its home with other types of Hypostomus fish. This means they live in the same area and might even be found together. Some of its neighbors include Hypostomus ancistroides, H. heraldoi, H. iheringii, H. margaritifer, and H. regani.

Special Abilities

One cool thing about Hypostomus denticulatus is that it can breathe air! Most fish only breathe underwater using their gills. But this species is a "facultative air-breather." This means it can breathe air from the surface if it needs to, especially if the water doesn't have enough oxygen.

See also

In Spanish: Hypostomus denticulatus para niños