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Hypancistrus yudja Sousa, Sousa, Oliveira, Sabaj Pérez, Zuanon & Rapp Py-Daniel, 2025 Ozelot pleco |
| Family: | Loricariidae (Armored catfishes), subfamily: Hypostominae | |||
| Max. size: | 4.21 cm SL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | demersal; freshwater; depth range - 15 m | |||
| Distribution: | South America: Brazil. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 3-4. This species is distinguished from its congeners by its unique color pattern consisting of body with a light tan background and relatively large brown blotches and saddles (Ref. 133100). | |||
| Biology: | This species inhabits the deep portions of the rio Xingu channel and was only found hidden in lateritic conglomerates below 15 m of depth; specimens were collected individually by hand during diving sessions. Specimens kept in captivity were observed to be fairly shy, remains secluded in caves for most of the day. Expert aquarium hobbyists have successfully bred this species with the female laying around 15-20 eggs in a cave that is protected by the male. The fry grows slowly in captivity, usually taking two years or more to reach maturity. Under prime conditions they will reach 4-5 cm TL in about a year. | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||