Author: (Cope, 1874)
FBname: Guitarrita
Remark: See Mees (1989: 208) for detailed description.
Comments: Occurs in ponds (Ref. 11229) and forest creeks rich in plant debris (Ref. 35381).  Benthic fish which feeds on a wide range of food, including organic debris from the bottom.  Spawns eggs on sandy substrate, in groups.  Unlike the other species of Aspredinidae, the female does not carry her eggs (4,000 to 5,000 per spawning) in bags (cotylophores).  It swims with undulating motion of its body and tail, rhythmically ejecting water from its opercles, thus resulting in a forward propulsion (Ref. 35381).  Aquarium keeping:  needs fine gravel or sand; minimum aquarium size 80 cm (Ref. 51539).