Bunocephalus coracoideus

Bunocephalus coracoideus
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Siluriformes
Family:	Aspredinidae
Genus:	Bunocephalus
Species:	B. coracoideus
Binomial name
Bunocephalus coracoideus (Cope, 1874)

Bunocephalus coracoideus, the guitarrito, ^[1] is a species of banjo catfish found in the Amazon River basin. ^[2] It occurs in Bolivia, Brazil, Peru and Uruguay where it is found in ponds and creeks that contain a large quantity of plant debris. Its diet varies, and may include organic debris from the bottom. ^[2]

In the aquarium

The species is quite popular in the aquarium trade. Both male and female reach a length of 12 centimeters (4.7 in). ^[2] They are generally very peaceful, however it is a predatory to small fish, such as young fry.^{[ citation needed ]}

Behavior

This fish is largely nocturnal. It is a bottom-feeder, consuming debris and smaller fish. The guitarrito lays up to 4,000 eggs into sandy substrate. ^[1]

Parasites

The guitarrito is known to be infected by a single species of myxozoan, Myxobolus braziliensis, which uses the guitarrito as an host.

References

1. "Native Fish Species Of Bolivia". WorldAtlas. April 25, 2017.
2. Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Bunocephalus coracoideus". FishBase . December 2011 version.