Loricaria lentiginosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loricaria lentiginosa |
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The Loricaria lentiginosa is a special type of catfish. It belongs to a fish group called Loricariidae. This fish is found only in one specific place, which means it is endemic to that area. It lives in the upper parts of the Paraná River basin in Brazil.
This unique catfish can grow quite large, reaching up to 51.4 centimeters (about 20.2 inches) long. Scientists believe it is a "facultative air-breather." This means it can breathe air if it needs to, especially when the water has low oxygen. However, it usually breathes underwater like most fish. A Dutch fish scientist named Isaäc J. H. Isbrücker first described this species in 1979.
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About the Loricaria lentiginosa
The Loricaria lentiginosa is a fascinating fish known for its ability to breathe air. This special skill helps it survive in different water conditions. It is part of the large catfish family, which includes many different types of fish with whiskers around their mouths.
Where This Fish Lives
This catfish lives only in the upper Paraná River basin. This river system is a huge network of rivers and streams in Brazil. Being "endemic" means it is not found naturally anywhere else in the world. This makes it a unique part of Brazil's wildlife.
How Big It Gets
The Loricaria lentiginosa can grow to be over 50 centimeters long. That's about the length of a standard ruler and a half! This makes it one of the larger fish in its group. Its size helps it navigate its river home.
Breathing Air and Water
Most fish breathe oxygen from the water using their gills. But the Loricaria lentiginosa is a "facultative air-breather." This means it can also take in oxygen from the air. It does this when the water quality is poor or when oxygen levels are low. This ability helps it survive in tough environments.
Who Discovered It
The Loricaria lentiginosa was officially described by Isaäc J. H. Isbrücker in 1979. He was a Dutch ichthyologist. An ichthyologist is a scientist who studies fish. His work helped us learn more about this interesting species.
See also
In Spanish: Loricaria lentiginosa para niños
