Author: (Hancock, 1828)
FBname: Orinoco sailfin catfish
Remark: New combination in Günther (1864:238). Redescription in Weber (1992:9). Mitochondrial D-loop sequences used in a molecular phylogeny of <i>Hypostomus</i> and related genera by Montoya-Burgos and Weber (in press, fig 2; EMBL/GenBank AJ318361).
Comments: Occurs in streams and lakes (Ref. 44091) and in weedy, mud-bottomed canals (Ref. 5723).  Benthic (Ref. 58302).  Nocturnal, feeds on algae (Ref. 13371), but will also feed on worms, insect larvae, and other bottom-dwelling aquatic animals (Ref. 44091).  Spawning period peaks once a year (Ref. 56986).  Reproductive behavior includes digging of burrows for egg laying (Ref. 82067). May exhibit male parental care (Ref. 56986).