Lophiosilurus alexandri | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Siluriformes |
Family: | Pseudopimelodidae |
Genus: |
Lophiosilurus Steindachner, 1876 |
Species: | L. alexandri
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Binomial name | |
Lophiosilurus alexandri
Steindachner, 1876
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Synonyms | |
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Lophiosilurus alexandri is a species of catfish ( order Siluriformes) of the family Pseudopimelodidae, and the only species of the monotypic genus Lophiosilurus.
This fish originates from the São Francisco River in Brazil. [1] Here, it is commonly known as pacamã. [2] It prefers lentic habitats. [2] This species has been introduced into the Doce River basin, but its effect on the native species has not been studied. [2]
This fish reaches 72 cm (2.36 ft) in total length and has a maximum published weight of 5 kg (11 lb). [1] It has an extremely large mouth, earning it the name Pac-Man catfish. [3]
L. alexandri is a sedentary species. [2] This species has adhesive eggs and the male displays parental care. [2]
L. alexandri represents an example of parallel evolution, sharing a similar morphology and lifestyle to species of the distantly related Chaca catfish. [3]
L. alexandri is considered threatened by Brazil's Ministry of the Environment. [4]
L. alexandri has economic potential for aquaculture. [2] It is a rarely imported aquarium fish. These fish require a sandy substrate and should not be maintained with fish that it can eat (a fish less than half of its size). [3]