Biology:Baryancistrus

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Short description: Genus of fishes

Baryancistrus
Baryancistrus niveatus.jpg
Baryancistrus niveatus
Scientific classification e
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Siluriformes
Family: Loricariidae
Tribe: Ancistrini
Genus: Baryancistrus
Rapp Py-Daniel, 1989
Type species
Hypostomus niveatus
Castelnau, 1855

Baryancistrus is a genus of freshwater Loricariid catfish. They inhabit flowing sections of rivers, especially clearwater, in the basins of the Amazon (notably Trombetas, Tapajós, Xingu and Tocantins) and Orinoco (notably Ventuari) in Brazil and Venezuela. The largest species reach up to 34 cm (13 in) in total length.[2]

Most Baryancistrus are differentiated from other related genera by a membrane connecting their dorsal fin and adipose fin, not present in most other genera.[3]

The species of this genus are mainly herbivores and detritivores, but may take other foods in an aquarium setting. Most have probably not been bred in captivity. It is difficult to sex these fish, including adult specimens. These fish are mainly nocturnal, but will also emerge from their hiding places during the day, after some time getting accustomed to the aquarium. Adequate hiding places are recommended for these fish due to their primary nocturnal nature.

Species

There are currently eight recognized species in this genus:[2][4]

List of Baryancistrus sp. L-numbers

Though there are many types of fish described as Baryancistrus, there are many that yet to be given a true scientific designation, and are only referred to under the L-number system, including the Gold Nuggets. Here is a list of Baryancistrus by L-number designation. The common name and scientific name are included when available, though some of these fish are only commonly referred to by their L-number. For those fish without a scientific name, they are assumed to be Baryancistrus sp.

L-number(s) or LDA Common name(s) Scientific name
L003 Kieser pleco
L018, L085 Gold Nugget pleco Baryancistrus xanthellus
L019
L026 Baryancistrus niveatus
L047 Magnum pleco, Mango pleco Baryancistrus chrysolomus
L057
L081 Gold Nugget pleco Baryancistrus xanthellus
L084
L115, L248 Mega snowball pleco
L142, LDA33 Big White Spot pleco
L177 Iriri Gold Nugget pleco Baryancistrus xanthellus
L200* Baryancistrus demantoides
L219
L274
L239 Blue Panaque Baryancistrus beggini
L319
L323
L324
L364
L384
LDA60 gold nugget Baryancistrus xanthellus

* Note: L200 is also used to refer to Hemiancistrus subviridis, another Loricariid that is very similar in appearance to B. demantoides.

See also

  • List of freshwater aquarium fish species

References


Wikidata ☰ Q147936 entry