Eugnathichthys Virgatus
📖 Overview
This species lives in heavily shaded, highly humic forest rivers . Gut morphology and contents suggest that the species feeds exclusively on fish fins .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 17; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 11 - 12; Vertebrae: 42 - 43. Diagnosis: Eugnathichthys virgatus is unique among congeners in the possession of body pigmentation dominated by a broad lateral band intersected by numerous vertical bars resulting in a midlateral, checkerboard-like pigmentation patterning both in life and in preservation . Internally it is characterized by a marked reduction in dentition on the fifth ceratobranchial elements of the pharynx; externally it differs from congeners in the possession of a reduced total number of pectoral-fin rays, 13-15 vs. 16-18 . Eugnathichthys virgatus is further readily distinguished from E. eetveldii by the possession of 66-72 pored lateral line scales from opercle to caudal flexion vs. 96-103; 10-12 scale rows between the lateral line and the dorsal-fin origin vs. 14 or 15; and 8 or 9 scale rows between the lateral line and pelvic-fin insertion vs. 10 .It differs from E. macroterolepis in the possession of 8 or 9 scale rows between the lateral line and the pelvic-fin insertion vs. 6 or 7 .
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Eugnathichthys Virgatus is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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