Trichomycterus venulosus
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eremophilus
Overview
Eremophilus is a monospecific genus of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Trichomycteridae, the pencil and parasitic catfishes, the only species in the genus is Eremophilus mutisii. This fish grows to about 30 centimetres (12 in) and originates from the Bogotá River basin, which is a tributary of the Magdalena River. It has probably been introduced to Ubaté, Chiquinquirá, and Tundama valleys, Colombia.
Trichomycterus venulosus faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its restricted Andean range. Agricultural expansion and livestock grazing have altered stream morphology and water quality in the high-altitude watersheds where this catfish occurs. Mining activities and associated infrastructure development pose additional pressures on the fragile aquatic ecosystems this species depends upon.
Habitat
This freshwater catfish inhabits high-altitude Andean streams and rivers, typically in clear, cold waters with rocky substrates. The species is adapted to the specific conditions of montane aquatic environments in South America's mountainous regions.