Baryancistrus beggini Lujan, Arce & Armbruster, 2009
Blue panaque
Baryancistrus beggini
photo by JJPhoto

Family:  Loricariidae (Armored catfishes), subfamily: Hypostominae
Max. size:  8.09 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  South America: Venezuela and Colombia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 3-4. This species is distinguished from all its congeners by having the last dorsal-fin ray adnate with adipose fin via a posterior membrane that extends beyond the preadipose plate up to half the length of the adipose-fin spine (vs. membrane separated from preadipose plate by up to two plates or stopping at preadipose plate); further differs from B. niveatus and B. longipinnis by having a naked abdomen (vs. partially plated), and from B. demantoides by having fewer premaxillary teeth (8-36 vs. 34-54, respectively) (Ref. 80502).
Biology:  This species is collected from the interstices of granitic bedrock and boulders that constitute exposed portions of the Guyana Shield. Apparently feeds on periphyton and associated microfauna that are abundant on surfaces and undersides of rocks in this habitat (Ref. 80502).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 28 July 2020 (B1ab(iii,v)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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