Greek, para in the side of + greek, ous, otis = ear + Greek, kygklos, ou = a fish The specific epithet refers to the large size attained by the species in contrast to its congeners.
The genus Parotocinclus can readily be distinguished from Otocinclus by the presence of an adipose fin in the former. Different shade of grey, ranging from medium to dark grey, with some greenish and golden shades. Its bigger adult size and blunter forehead compared to other Parotocinclus make it straightforward to ID.
Britski and Garavello agree that a review of the genus Parotocinclus should be undertaken and that this species should be placed in another, new, genus.
Males have longer pelvic fins, the tip of which extends beyond the origin of the anal fin, the urogenital papilla is positioned just after the anal opening in males. In females the tip of the pelvic fin does not reach the anal fin origin and the urogenital duct opens to the inner cloacal cavity.
It is known from The following rivers: Rio Paraíba do Norte (Paraíba State). Rio Canhotinho (Pernambuco State) A tributary of the Rio Mundaú, flowing near the city of Maceió (Alagoas State). Rio Salgado, tributary of the Rio Jaguaribe at Icó (Ceará State). Paraíba do Norte(click on these areas to find other species found there) Canhotinho(click on these areas to find other species found there) Mundaú(click on these areas to find other species found there)
Mainly vegetarian. It will make gravel roll between its lips to remove organic matters. It accepts vegetables, or commercially prepared food such as Spirulina tabs. It will eat, once in a while, animal protein such as bloodworm but this should not be the bulk of the main diet.
Use a fine, sandy bottom as this species likes to bury itself when alarmed. Driftwood is a good idea, and plants can be kept as they will not be eaten. In the wild, P. jumbo is collected from flat areas in the middle course of the river. These are shallow, clear waters with low current, sandy and rocky bottoms, and marginal vegetation.
Ann. Wien. Mus. Naturges.v. 1 (no. 1) - pp25 Britski, H. A., Garavello, J. C.Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, Volume 13, N°3, 2002. Schraml, E. Das Aquarium, March 96.
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