Loricaria thomasi
Loricaria thomasi Provenzano & Sabaj, 2024

Family:  Loricariidae (Armored catfishes), subfamily: Loricariinae
Max. size:  18.64 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  South America: Colombia and Venezuela.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal soft rays: 5-5. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: striking development of its buccal tuft; a medial cluster of 25-29 simple, elongate papillae, supported by a fleshy protuberance from the anterior roof of the buccal cavity, internal to premaxillae (Ref. 133466).
Biology:  Gut examination of the species revealed its diet composed of detritus and a variety of nonbiting midge larvae (Chironomidae) in the subfamilies Chironominae (Cryptochironomus, Pelomus) and Tanypodinae (Coelotanypus) (Ref. 133466).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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