| Leporacanthicus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Loricariidae |
| Subfamily: | Hypostominae |
| Tribe: | Ancistrini |
| Genus: | Leporacanthicus Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1989 |
| Type species | |
| Leporacanthicus galaxias Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1989 |
|
| Binomial name | |
Leporacanthicus is a genus of catfishes (order Siluriformes) of the family Loricariidae. It includes four species, L. galaxias, L. heterodon, L. joselimai, and L. triactis.[1]
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The genus has been reported from the upper Orinoco, the eastern, north-flowing Amazon tributaries, and the Tocantins River.[2] L. galaxias originates from the southern tributaries of the middle and lower Amazon, including Madeira, Tocantins and Guamá Rivers, as well as in the Ventuari River basin of the upper Orinoco drainage. L. heterodon inhabits the Xingu River basin in Brazil. L. joselimai is known from the Tapajós River basin in Brazil. L. triactis is distributed in the upper Orinoco River basin.[1]
Leporacanthicus species have large teeth in the upper jaw; usually there are only two teeth on each premaxilla, the inner teeth very long. Species of Leporacanthicus are medium-sized loricariids with a narrow, pointed head, round lower lip, and fleshy tentacles on the upper lip. The colour pattern is generally dark gray to black with white to golden spots or a light gray with medium-sized black spots. The abdomen is naked (scaleless and unplated). The caudal fin is straight and angled posteroventrally.[2] L. galaxias are basic black with many white spots.[3] L. triactis are brown, gray, or charcoal black, save for vivid orange or yellow blotches on the spines of the non-paired fins.[4]
L. joselimai grows to about 9.8 centimetres (3.9 in) SL and L. heterodon to about 10.3 cm (4.1 in) SL, while L. galaxias grows to about 21.1 cm (8.3 in) SL and L. triactis to about 24.7 cm (9.7 in) SL.[5][6][7][8]
L. triactis has been found in deep holes in mud banks.[2] L. galaxias originates from fast flowing rapids.[3]
It has been hypothesized that the enlarged teeth of the upper jaw are used to remove snails from their shells. This has been observed in L. joselimai, but specimens from Venezuela seem to have a lot of caddis flies as well as freshwater sponges in the gut.[2]
L. triactis is a cave spawner.[4]
Leporacanthicus are called vampire plecostomus in the aquarium literature in reference to their large teeth that are characteristic of the genus.[2][3][4] These species should be fed invertebrate matter such as mollusks or crustaceans; however, they will accept other foods as well. These fish are territorial species.[3][4] L. galaxias originates from oxygen-rich environments and should be provided with such a habitat in the aquarium.[3] This fish is not often seen during the day.[3] Breeding has been accomplished for L. galaxias but not documented.[3]