Description:The following summary is from AZPELLICUETA et
al (2004). Epactionotus (Hisonotus) aky
is diagnosed by the following combination of characters:
1) 21 to 23 lateral plates; 2) light stripes extended
from snout tip to supraoccipital level; 3) caudal
fin with dark vertical stripes; 4) ventral surface
of body completely covered by small platelets; 5)
1-4 feeble serrae on distal portion of pectoral spine
posterior margin. Hisonotus aky (Azpelicueta,
Casciotta, Almirón & Körber, 2004)
was originally described in Epactionotus
Reis & Schaefer, 1998 because of its supposed
possession of three synapomorphies proposed for that
genus. Neural spine of seventh vertebra not contacting
nuchal plate dorsally (contacting unpaired predorsal
plates), first dorsal proximal radial contacting the
eighth vertebral centrum, and absence of an expanded
fleshy flap on the dorsal surface of the first pelvic-fin
ray in males. Also, Hisonotus aky possesses
one of the additional diagnostic characters of Epactionotus:
longitudinal light stripes on dorsal surface of head.
However, the examination of type specimens of Epactionotus
aky indicates the absence of most diagnostic
features for the genus. Reproduction:Scatters eggs throughout the aquarium and
are not cared for by the parents. This species has
been bred by image contributor Paul Dixon and is shown
here. Aquarium Care: Said to be a
bit more problematic in the aquarium if good water
quality is not adhered to. They rest on aquatic vegetation
in the aquarium so long leaved plants are recommended.
Cooler temperatures and a strong filtration with adequate
current will fare better for this species and for
this genera overall. Diet: Will feed
on flake, algae, tablet foods and algae wafers. Remarks:
According to Evers et al, they are only found
in a small area in the Rio Uruguay drainage in the
Fortaleza Creek, close to the city of Paraiso.
Common
Name:
Green Oto
Synonyms:
Epactionotus aky
Family:
Loricariidae
Distribution:
South America:Argentina, Yabotí-Guazú basin,
Uruguay River system, Misiones. Type locality:
Argentina, Misiones, Río Uruguay basin, Arroyo
Garibaldi (26º38'46.1"S, 53º59'55"W).
Size:
4.5cm. (1¾ins)
Temp:
18-24°c (63-75°f.)
p.H.
6.5-7.2.
Reference:
Azpellicueta,
Casciotta, Almiron, & S. Korber, 2004,
A new species of Otothyrini (Siluriformes: Loricariidae:
Hypoptopomatinae) from the Río Uruguay basin,
Argentina. Evers, H.-G. & I.Seidel: Mergus,
Baensch Catfish Atlas Volume 1, 1st English edn., 2005.
Pp.944. Ferraris, C.J. Jr., 2007. Checklist
of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes),
and catalogue of siluriform primary types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628.
Tiago Pinto Carvalho; The species of
Hisonotus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae)
of the Rio Uruguay basin, southeastern South America
in: A new species of Hisonotus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae:
Hypoptopomatinae) from the Laguna dos Patos Basin, Southern
Brazil.
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