Glyptoperichthys
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Glyptoperichthys is a genus of the family Loricariidae of order Siluriformes. The genus is native to South America and are found in rivers and flood plains. They dig burrows in mud in which they can survive the dry season. Species attain up to 50-60cm in length. Their primary food is plant matter.
This genus as well as other South American catfish forms part of the diet of native South Americans.
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[edit] Taxonomy
The type species is Glyptoperichthys lituratus (originally known as Ancistrus lituratus). Glyptoperichthys is derived from the Greek 'Glyptes' meaning carver, 'Peri' meaning around and 'Ichthys' meaning fish. The name derives from the 'carved' or 'statuesque' appearance of these fish when resting.[1]
Glyptoperichthys has been classified on and off again with Pterygoplichthys, as synonyms, as Glyptoperichthys as a subgenus to Pterygoplichthys, or as independent, valid genera. Like Pterygoplichthys, they have evertible cheek plates with odontodes and a large dorsal fin with more than 9 fin rays and prominent nostrils (nasal flares). Distinctive features of this genus, extra to that of the other Pterygoplichthys, include a large supraoccipital crest (or 'nuchal hump'). Armbruster does not consider these differences significant enough to classify Glyptoperichthys apart from Pterygoplichthys. [2]
[edit] Colouration of Glyptoperichthys species
Colouration of species of Glyptoperichthys appears to be due to three contributing patterns.
Firstly, a base coat of light brown and dark brown, starting underneath the dorsal fin there are three stripes of dark brown running approximately from top to bottom, the second and third stripe may merge. There is also a dark brown spot on the head. Outlines of the darker areas are not distinct nor does the head patch appear to have a consistent position.
Secondly, spots, usually yellow on a dark background or reversed. This pattern, when present, overlays the light and dark brown areas. The size of the spots can vary from dots to large blodges that give a honeycombed effect. Additionally the spots may merge to a certain extent forming small networks.
Thirdly, a light coloured (yellow or possibly yellow-red) upper first ray on the caudal fin and a light coloured first ray on the dorsal fin. Additionally a stripe runs from eye to eye in some examples.
All these three factors may be seen to different extents in Glyptoperichthys species, furthermore all these species are capable of changing their colouration to a minor extent - altering the relative shade but not the overall pattern.[3] Minor colouration variants between individuals of the same species can also occur.
[edit] Description of species
- Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps Common names include leopard sailfin plec or clown sailfin plec. Patternation is not unlike that of the giraffe. Primary colouration is of large brown spots on a yellow background. Light brown/dark brown areas as well as eye to eye bands may be present but the spotted appearance dominates.[4]
- Glyptoperichthys lituratus Patternation like that of G. gibbiceps except yellow rings are broken and less 'honeycombed' and brown spots are darker and more likely to be connected. Also described as 'reticulated'.
- Glyptoperichthys joselimaianus Sometimes called the gold spot pleco or spotted sailfin. Colouration is almost the opposite of G. gibbiceps - irregular small yellowish spots on a brown background, the spots form rows on the dorsal fin. In juveniles the spots are relatively much larger.[5]
- Glyptoperichthys punctatus (synonym Loricaria punctata) Known as the spotted sailfin plec, yogi plec or imperial ranger plec, this species lacks the nuchal hump typical of this genus. Coloration is a light yellow/silver-green background with dark spots.[6]
- Glyptoperichthys scrophus Known as chocolate, alligator or rhino pleco. Lateral scutes are quite visible, bony crest anterior to dorsal fin also prominent and the nostrils are also prominent. This Glyptoperichthys lacks spots - the coloration is a mixture of light and dark brown, additionally the upper caudal fin ray and first dorsal fin ray shows a yellow or red colour and there may be yellow stripes between the eyes.[7]
- Glyptoperichthys xinguensis - Small yellowish spots are overlayed on a 'shaded' patternation of light brown and dark brown.[8]
[edit] References
- ^ "Glyptoperichthys". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. 03 2006 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2006.
- ^ J. W. Armbruster. Pterygoplichthys.
- ^ Hans's J. Mayland. Glyptoperichthys scrophus.
- ^ Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps Kner, 1854. Scotcat.com.
- ^ Glyptoperichthys joselimaianus (Weber, 1991). Wetpetz.com.
- ^ Glyptoperichthys punctatus (Günther (ex Kner), 1864). planetcatfish.com.
- ^ Pterygoplichthys scrophus (Cope, 1874). Scotcat.com.
- ^ Pterygoplichthys xinguensis (Weber, 1991). Scotcat.com.
