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Suckermouth Catfish

Plecostomus
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Theme area:  Amazonía
Scientific name:  Plecostomus spp.
Class:  Fish
Continent:  South America
Habitat:  Rivers, marshes, swamps and lakes
Diet:  Omnivore
Weight:   /
Size:  60 cm
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The Suckermouth Catfish is found across South America, in the rivers that make up the Amazon basin. It lives at the bottom of marshy areas.

It is a calm and nocturnal fish. It has a suction cup-like spherical mouth that allows it to adhere to different natural substrates and also prevents it from being swept away by strong river currents. It has no scales, but instead has bony plates that serve as armour to protect it from predators.

It lays its eggs between rocks or in sandy areas, and both parents take care of the clutch, preventing it from being attacked by predators.

Conservation Status
Extinct
Extinct in the wild
Critically endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near threatened
Least concern
Insufficient data
Not evaluated

DID YOU KNOW ...

It is commonly called an algae cleaner because of its great capacity to eat algae.

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