Currently
four syntopically occuring forms of Pseudancistrus are reported from
the Rio Tapajós. They differ from each other by minor differences in
respect of coloration and proportions. L321 is the comparatively
flattest of them, has small dots and a reddish seam at the caudal fin.
LDA32 and L259 are a bit deeper bodied and have larger spots. The border
of the caudal fin is yellow. In P. sp. “Tapajós” (this form did never
receive a L-number, see Mergus Wels Atlas Vol 2, page 911 for a photo)
the border of the caudal fin is white. However, these differences are
comparatively vague and do not allow an exact determination when looking
on a single specimen. Coloration differs individually and the size of
the spots is decreasing when the fish get older. We have listed the
specimens from our current importation from the Rio Tapajós as L259.
The
attractive fish are feeding basically, as can be clearly recognized by a
look in the mouth, on Aufwuchs. Males can be very aggressive against
other males. Despite the fact that these fish can attain a maximum
length of about 20-25 cm, specimens of only 10 cm already show the
sexual dimorphism. The photographed animal, a male, is about 10 cm long
and has already the genus-specific bristles (odontodes) around the
snout.
For our customers: the animals have code 26480-L 259-2 on
our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale
trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
