Trichomycterus | |
---|---|
Trichomycterus ytororo | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Siluriformes |
Family: | Trichomycteridae |
Subfamily: | Trichomycterinae |
Genus: | Trichomycterus Valenciennes, 1832 |
Type species | |
Trichomycterus nigricans Valenciennes, 1832
|
Trichomycterus is a genus of fish in the family Trichomycteridae, the largest genus of its family with over 170 species currently described. This genus is native to freshwater habitats in Central and South America.[1] These fish are generally small, usually about 5 to 15 cm (2–6 in) in standard length, although the largest, T. rivulatus, can reach more than twice this size.[1] Species differ from one another primarily in body proportions, fin ray counts and colouration.[2] Despite their relatively small size, some, such as T. punctulatus, support fisheries and are important in the local cuisine.[3]