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Ochoa LE., et al 2020 (1) UCO (1)

Astroblepids are closely related to the Loricariids, and in fact one genus of fish (Lithogenes Eigenman, 1909) seems intermediate between the two families, having the shape and form of an Astroblepid, but some plates on the body and other morphological characters closer to Loricariids. At the time of writing, Lithogenes is currently placed in Loricariidae. Habitat: Fishes of the family Astroblepidae are found in freshwaters streams (between 200 to 13,400 feet above sea level) of the tropical Andes from Panama to Bolivia, and occur in both the western Pacific and eastern Amazonian slope drainage systems in South and Central America. Aquarium Care: Not an easy family of catfishes to keep so they would have to have a large tank with rocks and some appropriate vegetation. The water would need to be fast flowing and provided with extra oxygen via an air tube fed into the powerhead flow. The tank should be set up with rocks so as to provide an area where the water current will be slower. Diet: Invertebrates, insect larvae, spirulina tablets or paste, algae based foods and live bloodworm would probably be the staple diet but you may wish to try glassworm and blackworm (although these won’t tend to stay on the substrate unless the current takes them there). Etymology: The specific name homodon: homos, same; odon, tooth, probably referring to teeth of the outer series of the premaxillaries, which are all bicuspid, or “more or less Y-shaped”. Remarks: Astroblepus homodon has a relatively wide range. Although there may be localised threats, they are not considered to affect the population to a degree that would warrant listing in a threatened category. Hence, it is listed as Least Concern (IUCN 2016).

Villeta Climbing Catfish

Arges homodon

Astroblepidae

South America: Andean streams of the Cauca and Magdalena River basins, Colombia. Type locality: Villeta, Colombia, 3500 ft.

8.0cm (3¼ins)

15-20°c (57-67°f.)