AquaticRepublic.com - Lacantunia enigmatica (Lacantuniidae) All Fishes

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All Fishes Data Sheet
Scientific Name	**Lacantunia enigmatica** Rodiles-Hernández, Hendrickson & Lundberg, 2005
Common Names	Chiapas Catfish Bagre De Chiapas (Mexican), Madre De Juil (Mexican)
Type Locality	Reserva de la Biosfera Montes Azules, 16°08.083'N, 90°55.317'W, Selva Lacandona, Río Lacantún, Río Usumacinta basin, Chiapas, Mexico
Pronunciation	lack an TOON ee ah - enn ig MAH ticka
Etymology	The generic name comes from the Río Lacantún in Chiapas, the tributary river of Río Usumacinta inhabited by the type species. The specific epithet is Latin for baffling or inexplicable in reference to the unexpected discovery, obscure relationships and origin of the new catfish.
Species Information
Size	427mm or 16.8" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification	Scientifically classified as by various (5) internal characteristics, externally this fish bears a passing resemblance to an Ictalurid or perhaps Ariid. The fish is an overall brownish colour with attractive paler edges to the pectoral and pelvic fins. Youngsters may be spotted.
Sexing	No apparent sexual dimorphism beyond the shape of the urogenital papilla.
General Remarks	This fish has a very restricted distribution in the wild and is very unlikely to enter the aquarium trade. To scientists, this fish represents an intriguing puzzle probably representing an now isolated evolution of North American ancestry. The local common name, Madre de juil, translates into mother of juil (juil being the native species of Rhamdia; Heptapteridae). See also Lacantunia enigmatica Digimorph.
Habitat Information
Distribution	North America: Mexico. Usumacinta (click on these areas to find other species found there) Usumacinta, Chixoy (click on these areas to find other species found there) Usumacinta, La Pasión (click on these areas to find other species found there) Login to view the map.
IUCN Red List Category	Vulnerable , range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2018.
Other Parameters	Found in fast flowing, steep gradient and rocky stretches of the river as well as deep pools.
Husbandry Information
Feeding	Likely a nocturnal hunter, gut content analysis of wild specimens revealed a diet including fishes, crabs, prawns and large, tough seeds. User data.
Breeding	Unreported.
Breeding Reports	There is no breeding report.
Further Information
Reference	Zootaxa No. 1000, pp 10, Figs. 1-2, 4-6.
Registered Keepers	There is no registered keeper.
Wishlists	Love this species? Click the heart to add it to your wish list. There is no wish to keep this species.
Spotters	Spotted this species somewhere? Click the binoculars! There is but a single record of this fish being seen, view it.
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	Look up L. enigmatica on Encyclopedia of Life
	Look up L. enigmatica on Global Biodiversity Information Facility
	LFS label creator ARN ref:1.38.338.1555
Last Update	2025 Jan 01 12:19 (species record created: 2005 May 28 00:00)