Paracetopsis atahualpa facts for kids

Paracetopsis atahualpa is a type of whale catfish that belongs to the fish family called Cetopsidae. This fish was first described by scientists Vari, Ferraris, and de Pinna in 2005.

You can find Paracetopsis atahualpa living in the freshwaters of Peru and Ecuador. It especially likes the Tumbes River basin in northwestern Peru and the nearby upper parts of the Zarumilla River in southwestern Ecuador. These rivers are important homes for many different kinds of fish.

What is a Whale Catfish?

A whale catfish is a special kind of fish. Even though it has "whale" in its name, it's not a giant like a whale! This name comes from its body shape, which can sometimes look a bit like a whale's body. These fish are part of the larger group known as catfish.

About Catfish

Catfish are a very diverse group of fish. They are known for their "whiskers," which are called barbels. These barbels look like a cat's whiskers and help the fish to feel and taste their surroundings, especially in murky (cloudy) water. They use them to find food in the dark or at the bottom of rivers.

Catfish live all over the world, mostly in fresh water. They can be found in rivers, lakes, and ponds. Some types of catfish can even live in salty ocean water. They come in many different sizes, from very tiny to very large.

Where Paracetopsis atahualpa Lives

Paracetopsis atahualpa lives in specific river systems in South America. These rivers are in Peru and Ecuador.

The Tumbes River

The Tumbes River flows through northwestern Peru. This river is an important habitat for many aquatic animals, including different fish species. Rivers like the Tumbes provide the right conditions for fish to find food, shelter, and places to lay their eggs.

The Zarumilla River

The Zarumilla River is located in southwestern Ecuador, very close to the border with Peru. The upper parts of this river connect to the Tumbes River basin. This connection allows fish like Paracetopsis atahualpa to move between these areas.

Why Rivers are Important for Fish

Rivers are like highways for fish. They provide a continuous flow of water, which brings fresh oxygen and food. The different parts of a river, like fast-flowing sections or calm pools, offer various living spaces for different fish.

Fish need clean water to survive. They also need places to hide from predators and areas where they can reproduce. The riverbeds and banks offer these important features. Protecting river habitats helps to keep fish like Paracetopsis atahualpa healthy and thriving.