Trichomycterus
| Trichomycterus | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Trichomycterus davisi | |
| Scientific classification | |
| 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 pencil catfish, the largest genus of the family Trichomycteridae with over 160 species currently described. This genus is native to freshwater habitats in Central and South America. These fish are generally small, usually about 5 to 15 cm (2–6 in) SL, although the largest, T. rivulatus, can reach more than twice this size. Species differ from one another primarily in body proportions, fin ray counts, and colouration. Despite their relatively small size, some, such as T. punctulatus, support fisheries and are important in the local cuisine.
This genus is defined by the lack of specializations found in other trichomycterids and is certainly polyphyletic. Although known to contain many species, Trichomycterus is poorly known with many of the known species based on brief descriptions. Many species have been described recently and many more are waiting to be described.
Some authors have tentatively defined putative monophyletic assemblages within the genus Trichomycterus based on the possession of unique morphological features. The T. brasiliensis species-complex includes T. brasiliensis, T. iheringi, T. maracaya, T. mimonha, T. pirabitira, T. potschi, T. vermiculatus and several undescribed species apparently endemic to the main river basins draining the Brazilian Shield. However, an assemblage of species from south and southeastern Brazil is also supported that includes T. castroi, T. davisi, T. guaraquessaba, T. iheringi, T. immaculatus, T. itatiayae, T. mboycy, T. mirissumba, T. naipi, T. nigricans, T. papilliferus, T. plumbeus, T. stawiarski, T. taroba, T. triguttatus and T. zonatus.T. aguarague, T. alterus, T. belensis, T. boylei and T. ramosus and also form a diagnosable species assemblage.
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