| Neblinichthys | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Loricariidae |
| Subfamily: | Hypostominae |
| Tribe: | Ancistrini |
| Genus: | Neblinichthys Ferraris, Isbrücker, and Nijssen, 1986 |
| Type species | |
| Neblinichthys pilosus Ferraris, Isbrücker, and Nijssen, 1986 |
|
| Species | |
Neblinichthys is a small genus of catfish (order Siluriformes) of the family Loricariidae. It includes two species, N. pilosus and N. yaravi.[1]
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Neblinichthys was described by Ferraris, Isbrücker, and Nijssen in 1986. Neblinichthys is derived from the Latin nebula which means mist or vapor, and ichthys for fish.[2]
It was found that Franz Steindachner's original description of Peckoltia yaravi matches that of Neblinichthys. This makes Neblinichthys yaravi the senior synonym of Neblinichthys roraima Provenzano et al. 1995.[3]
Neblinichthys species are unique in that the breeding males have a snout brush formed by elongate, bristle-like odontodes pointing forwards on the snout. More fairly elongated odontodes are found on the top of the head and on the body.[3] Otherwise they appear rather similar to Lasiancistrus species.[3] Females and juveniles may be differentiated from Lasiancistrus species by the lack of cheek whiskers.[3] Neblinichthys species also have their pectoral fin and pelvic fin spines the same length.[3]
N. pilosus reaches a length of about 9 centimetres (3.5 in) SL.[4] N. yaravi reaches a length of about 5 cm (2 in) SL.[5]
N. pilosus is distributed in the upper Negro, Casiquiare, and Baria River basins.[4] N. yaravi is found in the Kukenan River basin in upper Caroní River drainage.[5] Both species are from Venezuela.[1] Neblinichthys are found in small creeks to medium-sized rivers at the base of tipuis.[3] N. yaravi is found in creeks with a substratum of rocks, small stones, and fine sand, without aquatic vegetation.[5]