All Fishes ⇒ Callichthyidae ⇒ Callichthyinae ⇒ The genus Lepthoplosternum

Hop to next section Summary of lepthoplosternum
Pronounced lep THOP low STERN um
Etymology Lepthoplosternum: From the Greek leptos, meaning small and hoplosternum; in reference to the small size. Hoplosternum: From the Greek hoplon, meaning shield and sternum, meaning breast; in reference to the prominent coracoid bones on the breast.
Identification Lepthoplosternum species are the smallest of the Callichthyinae (maximum SL = 60.3 mm). They are distinguished by two unique traits: (1) a lower lip with a deep medial notch and a smaller lateral notch, forming two fleshy semi-triangular projections on each side of the midline, and a single unbranched ray preceding the branched rays on the anal fin.
Sexing Mature males of Callichthys, Dianema, Hoplosternum, Lepthoplosternum, and Megalechis have a thick adipose body on the ventral surface of the pectoral fin. In Dianema, Hoplosternum, Lepthoplosternum and Megalechis (but not in Callichthys), the coracoid bones are at least partially exposed and expanded medially. In Dianema, Hoplosternum and Megalechis, these medial expansions of the coracoids are especially developed, covering most of the skin between the pectoral fins and sometimes overlapping at the midline in fully developed mature males, however there does not appear to be a similar sexually dimorphic expansion of the coracoids in Lepthoplosternum.
Size Smallest 46mm, largest 60mm, average 49mm, most commonly 46mm. All SL.
Species There are 6 "species" in the database
New spp. / time
1750 1770 1790 1810 1830 1850 1870 1890 1910 1930 1950 1970 1990 2010 
Distribution

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