| Silvinichthys | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Trichomycteridae |
| Subfamily: | Trichomycterinae |
| Genus: | Silvinichthys Arratia, 1998 |
| Type species | |
| Trichomycterus mendozensis Arratia, Chang, Menu-Marque & Rojas, 1978 |
|
| Binomial name | |
|
Silvinichthys bortayro |
|
Silvinichthys is a genus of catfishes (order Siluriformes) of the family Trichomycteridae. It includes two species, S. bortayro and S. mendozensis.[1][2]
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S. bortayro is known from artificial wells in the Salta Province, Argentina.[1] S. mendozensis is endemic to the Andean foothill range of Mendoza between 1500–1700 metres (4900–5600 ft) altitude, and is not found underground.[1]
S. bortayro has many specializations due to its subterranean lifestyle, such as loss of fins, reduction of eyes and pigmentation, and loss of cryptic behavior.[1]
S. bortayro differs from S. mendozensis in having 6 versus 7 or 8 pectoral-fin rays and the absence versus presence of the pelvic fin and pelvic girdle.[1] S. bortayro is known to grow to 2.8 centimetres (1.1 in) SL.[3] S. mendozensis is known to grow to 7.3 cm (2.9 in) SL.[4]
S. bortayro represents the first trichomycterid discovered to occur in phreatic habitats, living in groundwater below the water table. The bottom of the wells is composed of sand and lime, and the water is transparent and less than 1 m (3 ft) deep.[1]
S. bortayro is at risk of extinction and conservation efforts are necessary to prevent contamination of its habitat.[5]