Science News: Loricariidae - Two new Acestridium

[Silurus]

Synopsis by Erwin Schraml

This recent paper describes two new loricariids: Acestridium dichromum and A. martini from tributaries of the middle and upper Rio Orinoco and from the Casiquiare drainage of the Rio Amazonas-Negro basin, Venezuela. The species occur syntopically (together) in black and clearwater streams. Also provided in the description are meristic data and distinguishing features of the only other species of the genus (A. discus) described. Colour photographs of both new species are included. Acestridium looks similiar to Farlowella, but are a little less elongated. These would make good aquarium fish, but arevery rarely imported for the hobby. The article also gives ecological notes and observations about colour change.


Reference: Retzer, M.E., L. G. Nico, & F. R. Provenzano. 1999. Two new species of Acestridium (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from southern Venezuela, with observations on camouflage and colour change. Ichthy. Explor. Freshwaters 10 (4): 313-326.