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Pimelodella spelaea Trajano, Reis & Bichuette, 2004 |
| Family: | Heptapteridae (Three-barbeled catfishes) | |||
| Max. size: | 8.05 cm SL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | demersal; freshwater | |||
| Distribution: | South America: Brazil. | |||
| Diagnosis: | This species is distinguished in having smaller eyes (eyeball diameter 19-21.3% HL) and possessing fainter coloration with reduced lateral dark band as compared to its congeners; pectoral fin with 10 branched rays; weakly developed serrae in the posterior margin of the dorsal-fin spine (vs. well developed in P. laurentii); and, lacking the dorsal dark stripe along dorsal and anterior adipose fins (vs. presence in P. avanhandavae (Ref. 55501). | |||
| Biology: | Collected mainly in soft-bottomed pools with very slow current, averaging 1.5 m deep, 5 m above the mainstream level. Individuals were observed calmly swimming near the bottom, in the midwater and near the surface. Elusive fishes and apparently photophobic (Ref. 55501). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 07 November 2018 (B2ab(iii)) Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||