For the first time ever we were able to import this interesting dwarf suckermouth catfish. It originates from a only recently discovered region, namely the waterfalls of Cachoeira do el Dorado in the far northern parts of Brazil, almost at the border to Venezuela. This area has not been explored ichthyologically yet. Of all the different species of Paraotocinclus described so far our new importations are most similar to P. variola, a species described only this year on the basis of specimens collected near Leticia in Colombia.

 

However, our fish differ from P. variola in some details. Currently we cannot say if these differences are of any importance, because our fish are very variable in respect of coloration (all specimens on the photos have the same size, eg about 3 cm total length (inclusive caudal fin)). In contrast to many other Parotocinclus of this relationship our new importations are quite hardy fish. Besides this the liveliness of the fish is worth mentioning.

 

For our customers: the fish have code 276543 on our stock list. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

 

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer