Spatuloricaria caquetae facts for kids

The longtail pleco (scientific name: Spatuloricaria caquetae) is a special type of catfish. It belongs to a family of fish called Loricariidae, which are often known as "armored catfish" because they have bony plates on their bodies instead of scales. This fish was first described in 1943 by a scientist named Henry Weed Fowler.

The longtail pleco is native to South America. This means it naturally lives there. You can find it in the Orteguaza River basin, which is a large area of land drained by the Orteguaza River in Colombia. This fish can grow quite large, reaching about 37 centimeters (or 14.6 inches) in length. That's almost as long as a school ruler!

What is a Longtail Pleco?

The longtail pleco is a fascinating freshwater fish. It's known for its unique appearance, especially its long, slender tail. Like other plecos, it has a mouth shaped like a suction cup. This helps it cling to rocks and other surfaces in the river. It also uses its mouth to scrape off algae and small organisms for food.

Where Do Longtail Plecos Live?

These fish make their home in the rivers and streams of Colombia, a country in South America. They prefer clear, flowing water. The Orteguaza River basin provides the perfect habitat for them. This area has many small rivers and streams that eventually flow into larger rivers.

What Do They Eat?

Longtail plecos are mostly herbivores, which means they eat plants. Their main diet consists of algae and tiny plant matter they find on rocks and submerged wood. They use their special mouths to scrape these foods off surfaces. Sometimes, they might also eat small insects or other tiny creatures they find in the water.

How Big Do They Get?

As mentioned, the longtail pleco can grow up to 37 cm (14.6 inches) long. This makes it a medium-sized fish among the many different types of plecos. Its size helps it survive in its river environment.

Protecting the Longtail Pleco

Understanding where the longtail pleco lives and what it needs to survive is important. Protecting its natural habitat, like the Orteguaza River, helps ensure these unique fish can continue to thrive for many years.

See also

In Spanish: Spatuloricaria caquetae para niños