| Megalancistrus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Loricariidae |
| Subfamily: | Hypostominae |
| Tribe: | Ancistrini |
| Genus: | Megalancistrus Isbrücker, 1980 |
| Type species | |
| Chaetostomus gigas Boulenger, 1895 |
|
| Species | |
Megalancistrus is a genus of catfishes (order Siluriformes) of the family Loricariidae. It includes two species, M. barrae and M. parananus.[1]
Contents |
The genus Megalancistrus has been reported from the upper Orinoco, the eastern, north-flowing Amazon River tributaries, and the Tocantins River.[2] M. barrae originates from the São Francisco River basin in Brazil and M. parananus originates from the Paraguay, Paraná, and Uruguay River basins.[1][3][4]
Megalancistrus species are large loricariids; M. barrae grows to about 38.5 centimetres (15.2 in) SL and M. parananus reaches a length of about 60.0 cm (23.6 in) TL.[3][4] They are large and spiny and generally have 10 dorsal-fin rays. The color on the sides and the abdomen is dark brown with very large spots on the head, sides, and fins or with light vermicualtions. The abdomen is completely plated in adults. The caudal fin is forked, but without filaments. Cheek odontodes, as in Acanthicus, are thin but numerous. The plates on the body are well keeled with rows of odontodes above and below the keel rows incomplete in specimens up to at least 20 cm (7.9 in).[2]
Megalancistrus species are live in large rivers. These fish eat freshwater sponges and probably other invertebrates. They have been found with a lot of wood in the gut, but it appears as if this was consumed accidentally.[2]