Epapterus dispilurus Cope, 1878

Family:  Auchenipteridae (Driftwood catfishes), subfamily: Auchenipterinae
Max. size:  15.4 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 43.0 g
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  South America: Central and western parts of the Amazon basin along and south of the main channel of Amazon River, and Paraguay River basin in Paraguay, northern Argentina and southern Brazil.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 2-3; Anal soft rays: 54-61; Vertebrae: 48-50. Distinct, irregularly-shaped, patch of dark pigmentation on each caudal-fin lobe which contrasts with the dark transverse bar extending from the upper anterodorsal margin of the dorsal lobe of the caudal fin to the posterior margin of the middle rays of the dorsal lobe; lack of a distinct patch of dark pigmentation on the ventral lobe of the caudal fin. Nuptial males have highly developed dorsal spine with well developed basal and distal anterior projections, modifications.
Biology:  Inhabits the lower part of larger rivers (Ref. 6868). Nocturnal, plus active during dusk and dawn. Feeds on smaller fish.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 September 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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