The genus Megalancistrus comprises currently only two accepted species, namely M. barrae from the Rio Sao Francisco and M. parananus, which is distributed in the triangle between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Two L-numbers have been given to M. parananus: L113 and L234. The species belongs to the largest species of Loricariids at all and can attain a length of approximately 80 cm.
This week we received a new variety of the species from Brazil, which is distinguished from all known populations by the silver to golden seam on the edge of the caudal fin.
For our customers: the fish have code 26480-L 234A-5 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Megalancistrus: ancient Greek, means “very big Ancistrus”; Ancistrus is another genus of catfish. barrae: after the type locality, Barra at the Rio Sao Francisco. parananus: after the type locality, the Rio Parana.
Suggestion of a common name: Goldseam dragon pleco
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
