Cat-eLog Right Lacantuniidae Right Lacantunia  |  | 

Down Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name Lacantunia enigmatica  Rodiles-Hernández, Hendrickson & Lundberg, 2005
Common Names Chiapas Catfish
Bagre De Chiapas (Mexican), Madre De Juil (Mexican)
Type Locality Reserva de la Biosfera Montes Azules, 16°08.083'N, 90°55.317'W, Selva Lacandona, Río Lacantún, Río Usumacinta basin, Chiapas, Mexico
Pronunciation lack an TOON ee ah - enn ig MAH ticka
Etymology The generic name comes from the Río Lacantún in Chiapas, the tributary river of Río Usumacinta inhabited by the type species. The specific epithet is Latin for baffling or inexplicable in reference to the unexpected discovery, obscure relationships and origin of the new catfish.
Down Species Information
Size 427mm or 16.8" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification Scientifically classified as by various (5) internal characteristics, externally this fish bears a passing resemblance to an Ictalurid or perhaps Ariid. The fish is an overall brownish colour with attractive paler edges to the pectoral and pelvic fins. Youngsters may be spotted.
Sexing No apparent sexual dimorphism beyond the shape of the urogenital papilla.
General Remarks This fish has a very restricted distribution in the wild and is very unlikely to enter the aquarium trade. To scientists, this fish represents an intriguing puzzle probably representing an now isolated evolution of North American ancestry. The local common name, Madre de juil, translates into mother of juil (juil being the native species of Rhamdia; Heptapteridae). See also Lacantunia enigmatica Digimorph.
Down Habitat Information
Distribution North America: Mexico.
Usumacinta, Chixoy (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Usumacinta (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Usumacinta, La Pasión (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category Vulnerable, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2018.
Other Parameters Found in fast flowing, steep gradient and rocky stretches of the river as well as deep pools.
Down Husbandry Information
Feeding Likely a nocturnal hunter, gut content analysis of wild specimens revealed a diet including fishes, crabs, prawns and large, tough seeds. User data.
Breeding Unreported.
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Down Further Information
Reference Zootaxa No. 1000, pp 10, Figs. 1-2, 4-6.
Registered Keepers There is no registered keeper.
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There is but a single record of this fish being seen, view it.
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Last Update 2020 Sep 19 05:12 (species record created: 2005 May 28 00:00)