Otocinclus
Otocinclus macrospilus
The ear- grating catfish ( Otocinclus ) are a genus of the armored catfish ( Loricariidae ). The scientific name comes from ous = "ear" and kinklis = "grid" and refers to the grid-like background temporal bone ( Posttemporale ).
Dissemination
Ear grating catfish live in South America, west of the Andes, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia (Amazonas, Rio de la Plata).
Features
Ear grating catfish are small fish, and its size is between 2 and 6 centimeters. Your body is stretched forward and somewhat flattened. The caudal peduncle of the animals has an almost rectangular cross section. On the ventral side, typical of the armored catfish bone shields are interrupted by bare zones.
Reproduction
The ear- grating catfish respond to change in air pressure and temperature fluctuations followed by floating -rich water, which occur in the rainy season. After the animals have perceived these changes, catch the males to the females chase. If the females have now stored the eggs well protected from rocks and roots, fertilize the eggs the males. After about 3-4 days, the larvae hatch and begin after a few days to swim freely.
System
So far, 16 species are classified:
- Otocinclus batmani A. Lehmann, 2006
- Otocinclus Cocama Rice, 2004
- Otocinclus flexilis Cope, 1894
- Otocinclus hasemani Steindachner, 1915
- Otocinclus hoppei Miranda Ribeiro, 1939
- Otocinclus macrospilus Eigenmann & Allen 1942
- Otocinclus mariae Fowler, 1940
- Otocinclus mimulus Axenrot & Kullander, 2003
- Otocinclus Tapirape Britto & Moreira, 2002
- Otocinclus vestitus Cope, 1872
- Otocinclus vittatus Regan, 1904