Iheringichthys facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Iheringichthys |
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| Iheringichthys labrosus from Rio Uruguay | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Pimelodidae |
| Genus: | Iheringichthys Eigenmann & Norris, 1900 |
| Type species | |
| Pimelodus labrosus Lütken, 1874
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Iheringichthys is a small group of fish known as long-whiskered catfish. These interesting fish live in the freshwaters of South America.
Contents
Meet the Iheringichthys Species
There are currently three types, or species, of Iheringichthys fish that scientists know about:
- Iheringichthys labrosus (discovered by Lütken in 1874)
- Iheringichthys megalops (discovered by Eigenmann & Ward in 1907)
- Iheringichthys syi (discovered by Azpelicueta & Britski in 2012)
Where Iheringichthys Fish Live
All species of Iheringichthys are found in the Paraná River basin. This is a large river system in South America. It includes many rivers and lakes.
How Iheringichthys Fish Look
Iheringichthys fish have a special mouth. It is narrow and small. Their mouth points downwards, which helps them find food.
What Iheringichthys Fish Eat and How They Live
One species, I. labrosus, has been studied a lot. These fish mainly eat food from the bottom of rivers. They often feed at dawn and during the day. Their favorite foods are water insects, especially tiny ones called Chironomidae. They also enjoy eating small mollusks, which are like tiny clams.
Reproduction and Family Life
Studies show that I. labrosus fish do not travel far from their homes. They also do not take care of their babies after they hatch. These fish can reproduce all year long. However, they lay the most eggs from February to May.
Iheringichthys and People
The I. labrosus fish is important for fishing in some areas. It is a secondary commercial fish in the Itaipu Reservoir. This means it's not the main fish caught, but it's still valuable. As other fish become harder to find, I. labrosus might become even more important.
This fish is also important in other reservoirs in the same river system. These include the Promissão and Água Vermelha Reservoirs. People also enjoy catching I. labrosus for sport fishing. They often fish for them along the sandy beaches of the upper Paraná River.
See also
In Spanish: Iheringichthys para niños
