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Smalleye rubbernose (Chaetostoma microps) — Loricariidae

Smalleye rubbernose

Chaetostoma microps
Family: Loricariidae

The Smalleye rubbernose (Chaetostoma microps) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Smalleye rubbernose is an armoured catfish (Loricariidae) from fast-flowing fresh water of the Andean foothills of Ecuador and Peru. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a flattened, bony-plated, brown body and a broad sucker mouth with a scaleless belly, ideal for clinging in strong current. With its mouth it rasps algae and growth from rocks. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Smalleye rubbernose?

The Smalleye rubbernose has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Smalleye rubbernose live?

The Smalleye rubbernose lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Smalleye rubbernose get?

The Smalleye rubbernose grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Smalleye rubbernose dangerous to humans?

No, the Smalleye rubbernose is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kleinoog-rubberlip sourced
English name
Smalleye rubbernose sourced
Scientific name
Chaetostoma microps
Family
Loricariidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.9 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Chaetostoma

More from the family Loricariidae

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