Loricariidae

Family Loricariidae

Loricariidae

Pterygoplichthys pardalis sp. - Michael Goulding

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Species

  • Hypostomus sp.
  • Loricariinae sp.
  • Pterygoplichthys pardalis
  • Pterygoplichthys sp.

Common names

  • Bolivia: (Common names not yet available)
  • Brazil: Acari-bodó, Bodó, Acari-pedra
  • Colombia: Cucha
  • Ecuador: (Common names not yet available)
  • Peru: Carachama

Summary

Group of food-important fishes that includes several genera and armored species of the family Loricariidae. They are detritivorous fishes, generally small (less than 40 cm), abundant in várzea lakes and whitewater rivers. Commercial fisheries mainly exploit Pterygoplichthys pardalis and, to a lesser extent, Hypostomus emarginatus. Their market is mainly regional and they are considered third-category commercial fishes.

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Teleostei
  • Order: Siluriformes
  • Family: Loricariidae
  • Taxon category: Family

Distribution

Potential carachama production is estimated at approximately 1,400 tonnes. The main fishing regions correspond to the Lower Amazon (40%), the Peruvian Amazon (30%) and the Central Amazon (23%), which together account for 93% of recorded catches. They show a local migratory pattern (less than 100 km) and the Tocantins region contributes about 5% of production.

Threat status

(Insufficient data)

Reproduction

The spawning period occurs during the dry season and the beginning of the rising-water season. The species Pterygoplichthys pardalis spawns once a year in holes built on lake shores. In addition, carachamas show parental care.

Feeding

They are detritivorous fishes that feed on detritus and algae, which they obtain by scraping the bottom substrate.

Habitat

Commercially exploited species are sedentary and abound in várzea lakes and whitewater rivers of the Amazon.

Uses, management and conservation

Carachama constitutes a fishery resource of food importance for Amazonian communities. Its marketing is oriented mainly toward regional markets within the Amazon and has potential production estimated at 1,400 tonnes.

References

(Not available)