Trichomycterus rivulatus

Trichomycterus rivulatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Siluriformes
Family: Trichomycteridae
Genus: Trichomycterus
Species:
T. rivulatus
Binomial name
Trichomycterus rivulatus

Trichomycterus rivulatus is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Trichomycteridae, the pencil and parasitic catfishes.[2] This catfish is found in high-altitude Andean streams and lakes (including Junin, Poopó and Titicaca) in southern Peru, western Bolivia and northern Chile.[3] It is the largest species in the genus Trichomycterus and grows to a maximum length of 37.4 centimetres (14.7 in) TL.[3] The species is regularly caught as a food fish. However, because of pollution, studies have revealed levels of metals in T. rivulatus of Lake Titicaca that exceed the internationally recommended safety thresholds for human consumption.[4]

References

  1. ^ Chura-Cruz, R. (2024). "Trichomycterus rivulatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2024 e.T22124A53854925. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2024-1.RLTS.T22124A53854925.es. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  2. ^ a b Fricke, Ron; Eschmeyer, William N. & van der Laan, Richard (eds.). "Species in the genus Trichomycterus". Catalog of Fishes. California Academy of Sciences. Retrieved 24 November 2025.
  3. ^ a b Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Trichomycterus rivulatus". FishBase. February 2012 version.
  4. ^ Sostoa, A.; A. Maceda-Veiga; M. Monroy (2014). "Metal concentration in water, sediment and four fish species from Lake Titicaca reveals a large-scale environmental concern". Science of the Total Environment. 487: 233–244. Bibcode:2014ScTEn.487..233M. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.03.134. PMID 24784748.