| Crossoloricaria | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Loricariidae |
| Subfamily: | Loricariinae |
| Tribe: | Loricariini |
| Genus: | Crossoloricaria Isbrücker, 1979 |
| Type species | |
| Loricaria variegata Steindachner, 1879 |
|
| Species | |
Crossoloricaria is a genus of catfish (order Siluriformes) of the family Loricariidae. It includes five species, C. bahuaja, C. cephalaspis, C. rhami, C. variegata, and C. venezuelae.[1]
Contents |
Crossloricaria is classified in the Pseudohemiodon group in the tribe Loricariini of the subfamily Loricariinae.[2] This genus is poorly diagnosed and is in need of revision. Its only diagnostic character (incomplete abdominal cover consisting of a double median row of plates) is shared by two other representatives of the Pseudohemiodon group, Apistoloricaria and Rhadinoloricaria.[2] On top of this, C. rhami has a complete abdominal cover of plates, rendering this diagnostic feature invalid.[2] Crossoloricaria also has some traits such as lip structure and barbel length that places it closer to Pseudohemiodon.[2]
The species of Crossoloricaria are distributed in the northwestern part of South America along the Pacific slope (in Panama and Colombia), Lake Maracaibo region (Venezuela), and the upper Amazon system (Peru).[2] Crossoloricaria species occur over sandy substrates of larger rivers and their tributaries.[2]
C. bahuaja is found in the Madre de Dios basin in Peru, Río Grande in Bolivia, and Rio Manuripe in Pando; this species occurs in the main river and major tributaries, always over sandy beaches.[3] C. cephalaspis originates from the Magdalena River.[4] C. rhami is distributed in the upper Amazon River basin.[5] C. variegata is found in the Mamoni, Tuira and Yape River basins in Panama, and in the San Juan and Sinu River basins in Colombia.[6] C. venezuelae originates from the Lake Maracaibo drainage.[7]
C. bahuaja reaches a length of about 16 centimetres (6 in) SL.[3] C. cephalaspis grows to about 11 cm (4 in) SL.[4] C. rhami grows to a length of about 13 cm (5 in) SL.[5] C. variegata grows the largest, to almost 27 cm (10 in).[6] C. venezuelae grows to about 18 cm (7 in) SL.[7]
Stomach contents of C. bahuaja include larvae of aquatic insects, small seeds and debris.[3] C. bahuaja males have been found carrying eggs on their lips.[3]