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Lophiosilurus alexandri
Lophiosilurus alexandri is a species of catfish (order Siluriformes) of the family Pseudopimelodidae, and the only species of the monotypic genus Lophiosilurus. Distribution and habitatThis fish originates from the São Francisco River in Brazil.[1] Here, it is commonly known as pacamã.[2] It prefers lentic habitats.[2] This species has been introduced into the Doce River basin, but its effect on the native species has not been studied.[2] Description and ecologyThis fish reaches 72 cm (2.36 ft) in total length and has a maximum published weight of 5 kg (11 lb).[1] It has an extremely large mouth, earning it the name Pac-Man catfish.[3] L. alexandri is a sedentary species.[2] This species has adhesive eggs and the male displays parental care.[2] L. alexandri represents an example of parallel evolution, sharing a similar morphology and lifestyle to species of the distantly related Chaca catfish.[3] Relationship to humansL. alexandri is considered threatened by Brazil's Ministry of the Environment.[4] L. alexandri has economic potential for aquaculture.[2] It is a rarely imported aquarium fish. These fish require a sandy substrate and should not be maintained with fish that it can eat (a fish less than half of its size).[3] References
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