Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Siluriformes
- Family: Loricariidae
- Subfamily: Neoplecostominae
- Genus: Neoplecostomus
- Species: Neoplecostomus ribeirensis
Description
Neoplecostomus ribeirensis is a species of armored freshwater catfish belonging to the Loricariidae, commonly referred to as “plecos.” Members of the genus are characterized by a dorsoventrally flattened body, a ventrally positioned mouth equipped with oral suckers, and bony plates covering the body. Specific morphological details for N. ribeirensis are documented in its original species description, which includes diagnostic characters that differentiate it from congeners.
Distribution and Habitat
The species is reported from the Ribeira River basin in southeastern Brazil. Its habitat consists of clear, fast‑flowing streams with rocky substrates, environments typical for neoplecostomid catfishes that rely on strong currents for feeding and respiration.
Etymology
The specific epithet “ribeirensis” is derived from the Latinized form of “Ribeira,” referring to the river system where the type specimens were collected.
Conservation
No comprehensive assessment of the conservation status of Neoplecostomus ribeirensis is currently listed on the IUCN Red List. Habitat integrity in the Ribeira basin, however, is subject to pressures such as deforestation, water extraction, and pollution, which could potentially affect the species.
References
- Standard taxonomic references for Loricariidae (e.g., FishBase, Catalog of Fishes) list Neoplecostomus ribeirensis as a valid species.
- Original species description published in a peer‑reviewed ichthyological journal (exact citation required for further detail).
