Ituglanis passensis Fernández & Bichuette, 2002
Ituglanis passensis
photo by Sazima, I.

Family:  Trichomycteridae (Pencil or parasitic catfishes), subfamily: Trichomycterinae
Max. size:  7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 7.59999990463257 - 8.39999961853027; depth range 0 - 1 m
Distribution:  South America: known only from Passa Três cave, Brazil.
Diagnosis:  Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 36-36. Reduced dark pigmentation on the head and body where pigmentation varies from yellowish to light gray, with scattered melanophores limited to the dorsal region of the body. Degree of development of the eyes ranges from their appearing as black dots to being externally invisible. Maxillary barbel extending to the anterior margin of pectoral fin. First pectoral-fin ray, a short filament. Ribs 7. Head length 16-17% SL. Premaxilla rectangular with 3-4 rows; outer row conical (Ref. 46923).
Biology:  Occurs in small riffles with slow current 15-20 cm deep on average. Exhibits crypto-biotic habits, hiding in the gravel bottom or under limestone blocks. No observed agonistic behavior (Ref. 46923).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 07 November 2018 (D1) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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