Lophiosilurus alexandri

Lophiosilurus alexandri is a species of catfish (order Siluriformes) of the family Pseudopimelodidae, and the only species of the monotypic genus Lophiosilurus.

Lophiosilurus alexandri
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Siluriformes
Family: Pseudopimelodidae
Genus: Lophiosilurus
Steindachner, 1876
Species:
L. alexandri
Binomial name
Lophiosilurus alexandri
Synonyms
  • Lophiosilurus agassizi
    Steindachner, 1880

Distribution and habitat

This fish originates from the São Francisco River in Brazil.[1] Here, it is commonly known as pacamã.[2] It prefers lentic habitats.[2] This species has been introduced into the Doce River basin, but its effect on the native species has not been studied.[2]

Description and ecology

This fish reaches 72 cm (2.36 ft) in total length and has a maximum published weight of 5 kg (11 lb).[1] It has an extremely large mouth, earning it the name Pac-Man catfish.[3]

L. alexandri is a sedentary species.[2] This species has adhesive eggs and the male displays parental care.[2]

L. alexandri represents an example of parallel evolution, sharing a similar morphology and lifestyle to species of the distantly related Chaca catfish.[3]

Relationship to humans

L. alexandri is considered threatened by Brazil's Ministry of the Environment.[4]

L. alexandri has economic potential for aquaculture.[2] It is a rarely imported aquarium fish. These fish require a sandy substrate and should not be maintained with fish that it can eat (a fish less than half of its size).[3]

References
  1. Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2012). "Lophiosilurus alexandri" in FishBase. February 2012 version.
  2. Barros, Marcelo D. M.; Guimarães-Cruz, Rodrigo J.; Veloso-Júnior, Vanderlei C.; Santos, José E. dos (2007). "Reproductive apparatus and gametogenesis of Lophiosilurus alexandri Steindachner (Pisces, Teleostei, Siluriformes)" (PDF). Revista Brasileira de Zoologia. 24 (1): 213–221. doi:10.1590/S0101-81752007000100028.
  3. "PlanetCatfish::Cat-eLog::Pseudopimelodidae::Lophiosilurus alexandri". PlanetCatfish.com. 2006-10-07. Retrieved 2007-06-03.
  4. ICMBio (Ministry of the Environment, Brazil): Portaria MMA nº 445, de 17 de dezembro de 2014. Lista de Especies Ameaçadas - Saiba Mais. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
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