Key Aquarium Fish Species

Loricariidae

The family Loricariidae is the largest family of catfishes in the world, representing over 650 species. Their distribution extends across South America from Costa Rica to Argentina. Loricariids are typically armoured with more than 2 rows of bony plates. One of their most distinct features is the large mouth disc that they use to suck algae and other organic material accumulated on rocks, dead wood and aquatic vegetation. Hence they are often referred to as suckermouth catfishes.

Lemon Fin (Hemiancistrus sp.)

This species is extremely important to the aquarium trade in the Rupununi. It is exceedingly highly valued, and is found in high numbers across the Rupununi.

Red-Tailed Pleco (Pseudacanthicus leopardus)

This beautiful fish is another important high value fish. They are found only in the Rupununi River basin, making them an exclusive export from this project. These can fetch up to US$65 at retail for large specimens.

Bushy Nose (Ancistrus spp.)

This majestic fish is found in abundance in the Rupununi. They are one of the few fish groups which exhibit solely paternal care where males build cave-like nests then guard the embryos and newly-hatched larvae. They derive their common name from the fleshy tentacles on their snout. It is thought that the function of these could be to provide nutrients to the young through secretions from the tentacles.

Hypostomus (Hypostomus cochliodon)

Hypostomus plecostomus & Hypostomus cochliodon are other key species for the project because they are not harvested elsewhere in Guyana and found in great numbers in the Rupununi. This group is unique among fishes in that they consume wood.

Doradidae

The family Doradidae contains 127 species all endemic to South America. Most of them are small and a few are commonly seen in the aquarium trade. They generally have a lateral line of spines running the length of the body; hence they are often called the Thorny Catfish. Despite this they are often also termed the Talking Catfish. This is because they can produce sounds described as groans, chatters or purrs.

Raphael Catfish (Platydoras sp.)

This fairly common species is found dwelling in rocks and sunken trees. They are quite commonly exported but in smaller numbers than the Loricariids.

Callichthyidae

This family contains 177 known species including the well-known genus Corydoras. Their distribution extends throughout the neotropics from the Guiana Shield in the north, to Argentina in the south. Like the Loricariids, they have bony plates, but only have 2 rows.

Flat-Head Hassar (Callichthys callichthys)

This fish is caught using drag nets because they dwell on muddy bottoms. They are not so commonly harvested as many others but are a sturdy fish and easily exported.

Cichlidae

This is a common aquarium family found throughout Africa, the Americas and parts of Asia. It is also a huge family of fish, with 1300 species described so far, and 291 of which are from South America. Neotropical Cichlids (pronounced sick-lid) are characterised by 7-24 spines in the dorsal fin and a broken lateral line.

Sunfish/Pike Cichlid (Crenicichla alta)

This is a less commonly harvested species but larger individuals can fetch a good price.

Demon Eartheater (Satanoperca leucosticta)

This is one of the more beautiful fish, and is less commonly harvested in the Rupununi, as similar species are exported elsewhere.