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Neblina pleco (Neblinichthys pilosus) — Loricariidae

Neblina pleco

Neblinichthys pilosus
Family: Loricariidae

The Neblina pleco (Neblinichthys pilosus) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Venezuela

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Description

The Neblina pleco is a small armoured catfish (Loricariidae) from fast-flowing, clear mountain streams of the tepui region (Cerro de la Neblina) in Venezuela in South America. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a flattened, bony-plated, brown body with fine bristles on the cheeks and an inferior sucker mouth. As a bottom-dweller it clings to bare rocks in strong current and rasps algae and biofilm. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Neblina pleco?

The Neblina pleco has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Neblina pleco live?

The Neblina pleco lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Venezuela

How big does the Neblina pleco get?

The Neblina pleco grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Neblina pleco dangerous to humans?

No, the Neblina pleco is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Neblina pleco sourced
Scientific name
Neblinichthys pilosus
Family
Loricariidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.9 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
South America: Venezuela sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Algae and plant material inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Loricariidae

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