Ossubtus
| Ossubtus xinguense | |
|---|---|
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Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1)
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Serrasalmidae |
| Genus: |
Ossubtus Jégu, 1992 |
| Species: | O. xinguense |
| Binomial name | |
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Ossubtus xinguense Jégu, 1992 |
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Ossubtus xinguense, the parrot pacu, is a species of fish in the family Serrasalmidae endemic to rapids in the Xingu River basin in the Brazilian Amazon. This endangered species is primarily a herbivore.
The body of Ossubtus xinguense is ovoid in shape. The profile of the snout is blunt. In young fish, the mouth is terminal (pointing forward); however, as the fish grows, the mouth turns downward and becomes strictly ventral in individuals longer than 5 cm (2 in). This gives the mouth a beak-like appearance. It reaches up to about 23 cm (9 in) in length.
Ossubtus xinguense is restricted to rapids in the Xingu River basin in the Brazilian Amazon. It has been confirmed from Volta Grande do Xingu in the lower Xingu River and lower Iriri River near its confluence with Xingu, but possibly also occurs further upstream on these rivers (perhaps as far as São Félix do Xingu).
This species is strictly rheophilic and found in rapids, but prefers sheltered, Podostemaceae-covered rocky crevices. Young individuals of up to 4 cm (1.6 in) can be observed in schools of 20–30 individuals, sheltered under broad stones.
The species is primarily a herbivore and a diet analysis of 10 specimens revealed mostly plant material, but also lower quantities of macroinvertebrates.
Shrimp, dead or alive, blood worm, vegetable matter, brine shrimp and daphnia are consumed in captivity. The female is far more dominant than the male and will often seek caves into which no other fish may enter. This is believed to be due to reproductive dominance, once a suitable breeding location is found, the female will not surrender it.
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