Chaetostoma spondylus Salcedo & Ortega, 2015
Chaetostoma spondylus
photo by Eakins, R.

Family:  Loricariidae (Armored catfishes), subfamily: Hypostominae
Max. size:  13.09 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 7.1
Distribution:  South America: Río Chotano, río Huancabamba, río Sendamal, and río Utcubamba, mountain tributaries (1500- 2000 m above sea level) of río Marañón, Amazon River basin in Peru.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal soft rays: 1-3; Vertebrae: 28-29. Description: Dorsal fin with 8- 9 rays (one specimen with 6 dorsal rays, with apparently regenerating posteriormost dorsal rays), first ray unbranched; anal fin with 1-3 rays, first ray unbranched; pectoral fin with one spine and six branched rays; pelvic fin with one unbranched and five branched rays; Body with irregular dark blotches, ranging from rounded to narrow bands and noticeable on most specimens (Ref. 103265).
Biology:  Found in high gradient stream and rapids, over mostly boulder substrate (Ref. 103265).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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