Ancistrus maculatus
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| Ancistrus maculatus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Loricariidae |
| Genus: | Ancistrus |
| Species: | A. maculatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Ancistrus maculatus (Steindachner, 1881) | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Ancistrus maculatus[1] is a tropical fish belonging to the armored catfish family (Loricariidae). The name Ancistrus is derived from the Greek word meaning "hook", akgistron, which refers to the interopercular odontodes found in members of the genus. This fish has the characteristic armored plates of its family and can reach 11.8 cm (4.6 inches) in standard length when fully grown.[2]
This fish's natural habitat is the Amazon River basin in South America and has been reported from the following regions: Cudajas, Obidos, Rio Tajapoura, Rio Chagres. Because of its morphology and the fact that it is similar to other fish from the genus Ancistrus, it can be deduced that this species is demersal, preferring to occupy the river bed.
Diet
In a similar manner to related species, Ancistrus maculatus possesses a sucker-like mouth, which allows it to adhere to surfaces, even in environments with fast-flowing water currents. This omnivorous species feeds on algae, detritus and aquatic plants with its rasp-like teeth.[2]
Omega iris
This fish is known to have a modified iris called an omega iris, an adaptation shared with other loricariids. The top part of the iris descends to form a loop which can expand and contract, a structure which is known as an iris operculum.[3] When light levels are high, such as during the day, the pupil reduces in diameter and the loop expands to cover the center of the pupil, forming a crescent-shaped, light-transmitting portion.
Behaviour
As is the case with most loricariids, this fish is nocturnal and prefers to hide under rocks or driftwood during the day. It can be territorial and quick to drive off other fish from its area when it has reached maturity.
Sexual dimorphism
The females and males of this species reach analogous length when mature, although they can be differentiated by the soft tentacles (bushy fleshy growths) on the male's snout (although some females also display short tentacles), a trait which is unique to the genus Ancistrus but not unique to this species.