Please confirm if this Hemiloricaria parva

[Chilo_glanis]

Hi all

If possible, please could someone confirm if the species I purchased is

Hemiloricaria parva

.

It is approximately 80 mm SL and the colouration is a mottled brown if this helps. Unfortunately, the LFS only had this single specimen in stock but I have requested from them to order more for me.

Apologies for the simple request but I am not very knowledgeable regarding South American catfish, especially Loricariidae. In addition, if someone knows a key that is freely available to identify Loricariid genera alone, if not species, it would be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, I will need to invest in some books (wife will need convincing).

Whole specimen

Ventral view

Mouth

Dorsal fin

Head close-up

[SLIMESLAYER10]

ya, its a parva. if you end up getting more get ready for babies!

[Chilo_glanis]

Thanks SLIMESLAYER10

I hope so!

[Shane]

Compare your fish to

Hemiloricaria eigenmanni

and note especially the pattern on the dorsal and caudal fins.
-Shane

[Chilo_glanis]

Thanks for your advice Shane. I noticed that

Hemiloricaria eigenmanni

has numerous spots/pigmentation on the abdominal surface and banding on the ventral surface of the tail, which my specimen lacks. Nevertheless, as you recommended, I examined the banding on the dorsal and caudal fins, and after comparing several photographs, these features of my specimen appear to be congruent with H. eigenmanni.

[racoll]

Looks like H. eigenmanni to me.

They are also the most common Hemiloricaria in the trade.

[SLIMESLAYER10]

hummmm, i think ive been proved wrong lol. i have seen H. eigenmanni with lots of spots and very few spots so you may just have one with a odd pattern. what ever it is its cool!

[Chilo_glanis]

Looks like H. eigenmanni to me.

They are also the most common Hemiloricaria in the trade.

Thanks for the confirmation.

what ever it is its cool!

Yes, it definitely is