Otothyris juquiae
Overview
Otothyris juquiae is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Loricariidae, the suckermouth armored catfishes, and the subfamily Hypoptopomatinae, the cascudinhos. This catfish is found in South America, where it is only known from the Juquiá River, part of the Ribeira de Iguape River basin, in the municipalities of Juquiá and Registro, in São Paulo state, Brazil. The species reaches a standard length of 3.2 cm (1.3 in).
Otothyris juquiae faces severe threats from deforestation and agricultural expansion in Brazil's Atlantic Forest region, which has reduced its freshwater habitat to fragmented remnants. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further degrades the clear, fast-flowing streams this species requires. The extremely limited range makes the population highly vulnerable to any local environmental changes or catastrophic events.
Habitat
This small armored catfish inhabits clear, fast-flowing streams and tributaries within Brazil's Atlantic Forest biome. It requires well-oxygenated waters with rocky or sandy substrates and dense riparian vegetation that provides shade and organic matter input.
Other threatened species in LORICARIIDAE
Threatened in Brazil
Frequently asked questions
Why is Otothyris juquiae classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Otothyris juquiae live?
What are the main threats to Otothyris juquiae?
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