AquaticRepublic.com - Spatuloricaria sp. `RIO SAN ALEJANDRO` (Loricariidae) All Fishes

Close-up of head
Ventral view of head

All Fishes Data Sheet
Scientific Name	Spatuloricaria sp. `RIO SAN ALEJANDRO`
Common Name	Giant Peruvian Whiptail
Pronunciation	spat you lorry CAR ee ah.
Etymology	Latin, spatula, spathe = spatula, spatule + Latin, lorica, loricare = cuirass of corslet of leather; in reference to the flat bodyshape.
Species Information
Size	400mm or 15.7" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification	The species sports unusually wide spaced suckermouth growths. The head forward of the black shoulder marking is without even slightly bold patterning.
Sexing	Adult males are more heavily built. It is not clear if this species develops the remarkable check bristles other congeners exhibit.
Habitat Information
Distribution	Rio San Alejandro, Peru. It is not know if this species is restricted to this drainage system. Amazon, Upper Amazon, Marañón, Ucayali, San Alejandro (click on these areas to find other species found there) Log in to view data on a map.
pH	6.2 - 7.2
Temperature	25.0-30.0°C or 77-86°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters	Water current should be brisk if not strong.
Husbandry Information
Feeding	An enthusiastic feeder that will accept most food that makes its way to the bottom. Not an algae eater of any note. User data.
Furniture	Requirements are different from many catfish in that this fish likes sandy open spaces littered with flat rounded peebles and small stones, little cover is required.
Compatibility	Due to size, this species is probably best kept in pairs or small groups of its own species. The aquarist does however have a vast selection of midwater dither fish to chose from, the inclusion of which will calm the bottom dwellers. Larger tetras or even rainbowfish would be good.
Breeding	Unreported in captivity, this species is very likely a lipbrooder.
Breeding Reports	There is no breeding report.
Further Information
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 S. sp. `RIO SAN ALEJANDRO` on PlanetCatfish.com
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Last Update	2004 Mar 27 00:00 (species record created: 2001 Apr 29 00:00)