Otocinclus cocama Reis, 2004
photo by Noren, M.

Family:  Loricariidae (Armored catfishes), subfamily: Hypoptopomatinae
Max. size:  4.38 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  South America: Peru.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 5-5; Vertebrae: 28-28. Can be distinguished from all its congeners by the following putative autapomorphies: unique, distinct color pattern consisting of vertically elongated blotches spanning from the dorsal midline to the ventral border of flanks; complete lateral line, without the gap plates (midbody plates without lateral line perforations) present in other Otocinclus. Can also be differentiated by having high number of teeth (30-45 in premaxilla and 23-36 in dentary). Differs from Otocinclus huaorani, Otocinclus mura and Otocinclus bororo by having a small metapterygoid channel and one W-shaped mark in the caudal fin (Ref. 57860).
Biology:  Found in a medium size creek with clear water and lost of marginal vegetation (Ref. 57860).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 24 April 2014 (B1ab(v)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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