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Apistoloricaria is a genus of armored catfishes native to South America.

Apistoloricaria
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Siluriformes
Family:	Loricariidae
Subfamily:	Loricariinae
Tribe:	Loricariini
Genus:	Apistoloricaria Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1986
Type species
Apistoloricaria condei Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1986

Taxonomy

The genus name comes from the Greek apisto meaning uncertain and the Latin lorica or loricare meaning cuirass or corslet of leather. Apistoloricaria is not well diagnosed and upon further examination, may prove to be a synonym of Rhadinoloricaria.[1]

Species

There are currently four recognized species in this genus:[2]

• Apistoloricaria condei Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1986
• Apistoloricaria laani Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1988
• Apistoloricaria listrorhinos Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1988
• Apistoloricaria ommation Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1988

Distribution and habitat

Representatives of this genus are distributed in the upper Amazon and Orinoco drainages, along the Atlantic slope of the Andes.[1]

Appearance and ecology

These fish range from 10–14 centimetres (4–5.5 in) SL.[2] In members of this genus and other closely related genera, the body is strongly depressed and the pelvic fins are used for locomotion, enabling these fish to appear to “walk” on the substrate.[1] Sexual dimorphism is apparent through differentiated lip structure. The lip surfaces of the male are rather papillose while those of the female are filamentous.[1]

These species are abdomino-lip brooders; eggs are laid in a single layered mass, and are attached to the surface of the lower lip and abdomen of the male.[1]

References

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