Pareiorhaphis nudulus (Reis & Pereira, 1999)
photo by Becker, F.G.

Family:  Loricariidae (Armored catfishes), subfamily: Hypoptopomatinae
Max. size:  3.4 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  South America: Brazilian drainages in rio Araranguá, rio Mapituba, rio Tres Forquilhas and rio Maquine in southern Santa Catarina and northeastern Rio Grande do Sul.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal soft rays: 4-5. Extreme reduction of dermal plates on the dorsal surface of body, with just the ventral and mid-ventral rows normally developed; absence of dorsal-fin spinelet and nuchal plate; absence of the connecting bone and ligament between second dorsal-fin proximal radial and rib of sixth centrum; reduction of lateral line; loss of the infraorbital sensory canal; and absence of adipose fin (versus present in all species but H. vestigipinnis). Fourth branched ray of pelvic fin longest, reaching to middle of anal fin when depressed.
Biology:  Occurs in small, shallow rivers with clear water and moderate to strong water current. Usually found among the bottom rocks and stones.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 November 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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