corroncho
Panaque cochliodon
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-eyed_plec
Overview
The blue-eyed plec is a herbivorous freshwater armored catfish endemic to Colombia where it occurs in the Cauca and Magdalena River basins. It is distinguished from many loricariids by being dark grey to black and having bright, turquoise-coloured eyes. Like other species of the genus Panaque, P.
cochliodon feeds primarily on submerged wood. Blue-eyed plecs grow to about 30 cm (12 in) in length and, like other Panaque species, they are clumsy swimmers adapted to staying close the substrate, using their sucker-like mouths to hold on to submerged rocks and wood.
The corroncho faces significant pressure from habitat degradation due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and water pollution in its native South American river systems. Overharvesting for the international aquarium trade has also contributed to population declines, as this species is highly sought after by collectors. Dam construction and river modification further fragment populations and alter the flow regimes essential for their survival.
Habitat
Large rivers and tributaries of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, particularly areas with rocky substrates, fallen logs, and strong currents where they can attach and feed on algae and detritus. They prefer well-oxygenated waters with moderate to fast flow in both main river channels and smaller tributaries.
Other threatened species in Loricariidae
Threatened in Brazil
Frequently asked questions
Why is corroncho classified as Vulnerable?
Where does corroncho live?
What are the main threats to corroncho?
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