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Oyakawa et al (3)

Description: Presence of minute irregular plates partially covering abdomen (between pectoral girdle to urogenital pore), usually concentrated close to preanal region, discriminates Harttia rondoni from members of the H. loricariformis group (abdomen completely naked), and members of the H. fowleri group (abdomen completely covered by plates). Harttia rondoni can be distinguished from H. tuna, H. punctata, H. longipinna and H. rhombocephala by having the canal plate exposed (i. e. not covered by skin) vs. canal plate covered by skin. It can be distinguished from H. trombetensis by a larger interorbital width 23.6–26.2 % [25.0%] vs. 21.1–23.2% [22.1%] of HL; and by having two broad transverse dark brown marks on the outer surface of upper lips, vs. absence of dark brown marks. Finally, H. rondoni can be distinguished from H. fluminensis by having the caudal peduncle slightly compressed laterally after confluence of lateral keels, vs. caudal peduncle strongly compressed laterally after confluence of lateral keels (Oyakawa et al 2018). Habitat: Known from bellow the two great falls of Rio Curuá, a tributary of Rio Iriri, in the region of Serra do Cachimbo and in Rio Fresco, a tributary of the middle portion of Rio Xingu (Oyakawa et al 2018). Aquarium Care: Not the easiest genera to keep as they will need clean, oxygen rich water and a strong current. Does not do well in imports due to its difficulty in traveling containers. Sexual Differences: Males tend to have odontodes (hair like structures) on the first ray of the pectoral fins and the head in males is broader. Diet: Grazes on microscopic algae, mostly diatoms and green algae growing on rugged and light-coloured rocks, and submersed vegetation. Chironomid and simuliid larvae, as well as tiny crustaceans, are recorded in its diet. When scraping algae off the substrate, the fish makes vigorous mouth movements and jerky movements, probably related to its mouth making alternate grazing and attaching to the substrate. In the aquarium feed dry foods, algae wafers, Spirulina and normal tablet foods. Frozen foods, Artemia nauplii, glass worms and Daphnia. Etymology: The specific name, rondoni, is a patronym that honours Cândido Mariano da Silva Rondon (Marechal Rondon), a military and frontiersmen who was responsible for the creation of Indian Protection Service (SPI), which was subsequently replaced by the National Indian Foundation (FUNAI). Rondon and Noel Nutels participated, together with the Villas Boas brothers, in the implementation of the Parque Indígena do Xingu. A noun in appostition (Oyakawa et al 2018).

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Loricariidae

South America: Brazil, Known from bellow the two great falls of Rio Curuá, a tributary of Rio Iriri, in the region of Serra do Cachimbo and in Rio Fresco, a tributary of the middle portion of Rio Xingu.

17.0cm. (6¾ins)

24-27°c (75-81°f.)

6.0-7.5.