Suckermouth catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus) fish species and information / pictures of Suckermouth catfish - Hypostomus plecostomus

Suckermouth catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Hypostomus plecostomus

Common Name
Suckermouth catfish

Biology
Dorsal spines : 1; Dorsal soft rays : 7; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 3 - 5. Body short and robust; caudal peduncle not depressed. Upper parts of head and body encased in longitudinal rows of scutes; lower surface of head and abdomen naked.

Classification

Classified By
Linnaeus, 1758
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Catfish (Siluriformes)
Family
Armored catfishes (Loricariidae)

Distribution

Region
South America
Distribution
South America: Guianan coastal drainages. Have been introduced to several Asian countries for the aquarium trade.
Range
12°N - 25°S, 60°W - 51°W

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
20 °C
Water Temperature To
28 °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Freshwater; ; pH range: 6.2 - 8.2; dH range: ? - 28 demersal
Trophic Level
2.5 s.e. 0.26 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
False
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
True
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
50.0 cm
Common Length
28.0 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: subsistence fisheries; aquarium: highly commercial
Vulnerability
Moderate vulnerability (44 of 100)
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Assuming tmax>3; Fec = 3,000)
Threat To Humans
Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
Not Evaluated