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Dennis Rawlinson (3) Allan James (3) Johnny Jensen's Photographic Library (3) Ivor Hilton (1) Benny Hubel Hansen (2)

Description: This genera is identified by the teeth of the upper mandible being twice as long as the lower mandible. The upper lip is short, its edge covered by numerous thin, simple, bifurcate or, more rarely, trifurcate barbels. The lower lip has small papillae with long filaments along the edge. The leading ray of the pectoral fins are longer and the upper first spine of the caudal fin is extended. This species is very similar to Loricaria cataphracta from the Guyana highlands and Loricaria lata. Breeding is similar (read more in Evers, H.-G. & I.Seidel in reference). Aquarium Care: Soft substrate such as sand is beneficial. As this species grows to 25cm a large aquarium of around 4ft (120cm) is required. A common Loricariid in the hobby which is not too difficult to keep. Remarks: This genera can sometimes be difficult to identify to species. Depending on the catchment area there may be differences in colouration and markings. There is a similar species from the Rio Atabapo, a river dividing Venezuela and Colombia, which can be identified from L. simillima on the last thumbnail image. This species has not been described yet and goes under the name of Loricaria sp. "Rio Atabapo".

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Loricariidae

South America: Amazon, Orinoco and La Plata River basins. Type locality: Canelos, e. Ecuador.

25.0cm. (10ins)

24-28°c (75-83°f.)

6.5-7.0.