Silvinichthys mendozensis (Arratia, Chang G., Menu-Marque & Rojas M., 1978)

Family:  Trichomycteridae (Pencil or parasitic catfishes), subfamily: Trichomycterinae
Max. size:  7.3 cm (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  South America: Mendoza River basin in Argentina.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-14; Anal soft rays: 10-12; Vertebrae: 39-43. Entire surface of body skin perforated by pores of ampullary organs; cephalic sensory canal system represented only by anterior portion of supraorbital canal enclosed by nasal bone, and posterior portion of postotic canal enclosed by pterotic and posttemporosupracleithrum; two anteriormost pores of supraorbital canal present medial to anterior and posterior nostrils, respectively; one or two pores of postotic canal on pterotic and between pterotic and posttemporosupracleithrum; body lateral line represented only by portion posterior to head, with one or two pores; head and body pit lines absent in most individuals; peritoneum and wall of pleuroperitoneal cavity blackish due to presence of many melanophores; eye small and supported by membranous outgrowth of hyomandibula and by membrane; and ceratobranchial and epibranchial bones without ossified gill rakers. The short dorsal fin has 5 precurrent rays plus 6 to 9 principal rays; anal fin has 4 precurrent rays and 6 to 8 principal rays.
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.