Hypostomus

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Genus of fishes

title: "Hypostomus" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["catfish-genera", "hypostomus", "freshwater-fish-genera", "taxa-named-by-bernard-germain-de-lacépède"] description: "Genus of fishes" topic_path: "general/catfish-genera" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypostomus" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Genus of fishes ::

| image = Hypostomus plecostomus - Raphaël Covain.png | image_caption = Hypostomus plecostomus | parent_authority = Kner, 1853 | taxon = Hypostomus | authority = Lacépède, 1803 | display_parents = 2 | type_species = Hypostomus guacari | type_species_authority = Lacépède, 1803 | synonyms = Cheiridodus Eigenmann, 1922

Cochliodon Heckel, 1854

Plecostomus Gronovius, 1754

Watawata Isbrücker & Michels, 2001

Hypostomus is a genus of catfish in the family Loricariidae. They are native to tropical and subtropical South America. H. plecostomus is the popular freshwater aquarium fish formerly known as Plecostomus plecostomus. The taxonomic structure of the Loricariidae is still being expanded by scientists. Hypostomus is a highly species-rich and widely distributed catfish genus. Typical length is 15cm.

Externally similar in appearance, Aphanotorulus is distinguished from Hypostomus by the difference in papillae in the buccal cavity. In comparison with a 'typical' plecostomid e.g. a common pleco, Aphanotorulus is slightly more flattened. This genus shows sexual dimorphism, males develop elongated single pointed teeth, odontodes along the flanks of the tail of A. Ammophilus (Image from scotcat.com)

Taxonomy and phylogeny

This genus is the type member of its tribe Hypostomini and subfamily Hypostominae. The type species of Hypostomus is H. guacari.

With the inclusion of Aphanotorulus, Isorineloricaria and Squaliforma, the genus Hypostomus is by far the largest genus of Loricariidae and the second largest genus of catfish. However, a good way to split up the genus further is unclear. Species level taxonomy of Hypostomus is still poorly known as well as the phylogenetic relationships within and of the genus. It has been shown that the genus does not form a natural group. However, small monophyletic groups are known to exist within the genus Hypostomus, such as the H. cochliodon group. Aphanotorulus and Isorineloricaria are considered separate genera by some authors based on molecular information.

Studies conducted with representatives of some genera of Hypostominae showed that within this group, the diploid number ranges from 2n = 52 to 2n = 80. However, the supposed wide karyotypic diversity that the family Loricariidae or the subfamily Hypostominae would present is almost exclusively restricted to the genus Hypostomus and the species from the other genera had a conserved diploid number.

Distribution and habitat

These species are originate from freshwater habitats of South America and the Caribbean island of Trinidad. They are found throughout most of the range of loricariids except for drainages west of the Atrato River (northwest Colombia). They are essentially ubiquitous throughout their range. Maximum diversity in number of species of Hypostomus occurs in rivers of the Paraná-Paraguay system.

Hypostomus species are found in almost all aquatic habitats, from large rivers to small rivulets. The typical habitat would be relatively fast moving water over a shallow gravel bed. Most species are lowland, sluggish stream- and lake-dwellers usually found associated with submerged wood; however, many species may be found among rocks in piedmont to mountain streams with moderate to swift flow. Members of this genus may be found over a range of substrates such mud, detritus, gravel, and sand. Many species spawn in hollows dug into mud banks or within hollow logs.

Description and ecology

As in all loricariids, these species have a suckermouth. They use their mouth as well as the pectoral, pelvic and caudal fin areas, to interact with the rocky river-bottom. The comb-toothed inferior mouth of Hypostomus is able to grasp green algae on the river bottom. With the help of the suckermouth, which anchor the fishes, in conjunction with the arched design of pectoral and pelvic fin spines, they are also able to remain upright while exploring this substratum. In addition, their large, concave caudal fin is associated with fast locomotion over short distances.

Also like other loricariids, Hypostomus species exhibit plates of armor over their body. The colouration among Hypostomus species varies. They may have a white ground color and black spots, or brown and spotted, or even black with red, gold, or white spots. Abdomen also varies in color from white to black and may be spotted or not. The caudal fin is forked with the lower lobe longer than upper. Most species have stout bodies, but some do have thinner, elongate bodies.

In most species, males develop hypertrophied odontodes on the leading edge of the pectoral fin spine and the end of the spine may become swollen. In some species, the males may also develop hypertrophied odontodes on the body during the breeding season.

Hypostomus species are well known for the ability to breathe air. This is achieved through a slightly modified stomach that is larger and thinner than in non-air breathers. To breathe air, Hypostomus must orient itself vertically.

Species of the H. cochliodon group are fairly large loricariids that reach about 30 centimetres (12 in) SL. Their colouration is typically dark brown with spots generally developed over most surfaces; however, most species of this group have been observed to have a well-developed ability to alter color according to substrate. Except for H. sculpodon, these species tend to have a deep body at the dorsal fin origin; this makes the body appear humped. Along with Panaque, species of the H. cochliodon group are unique among loricariids for xylophagy, or the ability to digest wood, accomplished through specialized spoon-shaped teeth. In H. hemicochliodon and H. sculpodon appear to be intermediate between other species of Hypostomus and the H. cochilodon group by feeding less on wood and lacking specialized teeth; many other Hypostomus will occasionally eat wood, but wood only amounts to a very small fraction of their diet.

Species

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1e/Hypostomus_alatus.jpg" caption="''Hypostomus alatus''"] ::

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/Hypostomus_asperatus.jpg" caption="''Hypostomus asperatus''"] ::

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/Hypostomus_commersoni.jpg" caption="''Hypostomus commersoni''"] ::

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/Hypostomus_subcarinatus_Castelnau.jpg" caption="''Hypostomus subcarinatus''"] ::

There are currently 157 recognized species in this genus: ::data[format=table]
::

Synonyms

References

References

  1. (2020-04-01). "Evolutionary units delimitation and continental multilocus phylogeny of the hyperdiverse catfish genus Hypostomus". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution.
  2. {{FishBase_genus. (2016)
  3. (2008). "A new pale-spotted species of ''Hypostomus'' Lacépède (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the rio Tocantins and rio Xingu basins in central Brazil". Neotropical Ichthyology.
  4. Armbruster, J.W.. "''Hypostomus'' Lacépède, 1803".
  5. (2005). "Comparative cytogenetic analysis of eleven species of subfamilies Neoplecostominae and Hypostominae (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)". Genetica.
  6. (2005). "Review of the genus ''Hypostomus'' Lacépède, 1803 from rio Ribeira de Iguape basin, with description of a new species (Pisces, Siluriformes, Loricariidae)". [[Zootaxa]].
  7. (2008). "Two new species of ''Hypostomus'' Lacépède (Teleostei: Loricariidae) from the upper rio Paraná basin, Central Brazil". Neotropical Ichthyology.
  8. (2004). "Spatial distribution and interaction of four species of the catfish genus ''Hypostomus'' Lacépède with bottom of Rio São Francisco, Canindé do São Francisco, Sergipe, Brazil (Pisces, Loricariidae, Hypostominae)". Brazilian Journal of Biology.
  9. (1998). "Modifications of the Digestive Tract for Holding Air in Loricariid and Scoloplacid Catfishes". [[Copeia]].
  10. (2003). "The species of the ''Hypostomus cochliodon'' group (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)". [[Zootaxa]].
  11. {{Cof genus
  12. Castelnau, Francis comte de. (1855). "Animaux nouveaux ou rares recueillis pendant l'expedition dans les parties centrales de L'Amerique du Sud, de Rio de Janeiro a Lima, et de Lima au Para. Tome Second". Chez P. Bertrand.
  13. Burgess, Warren. (1989). "An atlas of freshwater and marine catfishes: a preliminary survey of the Siluriformes". T.F.H.
  14. Isbrücker, I.J.H.. (1980). "Classification and catalogue of the mailed Loricariidae (Pisces, Siluriformes)". Verslagen en Technische Gegevens.
  15. (2015). "Three new species of saddled loricariid catfishes, and a review of ''Hemiancistrus'', ''Peckoltia'', and allied genera (Siluriformes)". ZooKeys.
  16. (2012). "Origin of species diversity in the catfish genus ''Hypostomus'' (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) inhabiting the Paraná river basin, with the description of a new species". Zootaxa.
  17. (1890). "A revision of the South American Nematognathi or cat-fishes / by Carl H. Eigenmann and Rosa Smith Eigenmann". California Academy of Sciences.
  18. Kner, Rudolf. (1854). "Die Hypostomiden: zweite Hauptgruppe der Familie der Panzerfische (Loricata v. Goniodontes) / von R. Kner". Kaiserlich-Königlichen Hof- und Staatsdruckerei.
  19. (2014). "Two new species of the ''Hypostomus cochliodon'' group (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the rio Paraguay basin, with a redescription of ''Hypostomus cochliodon'' Kner, 1854". Neotropical Ichthyology.
  20. Günther, Albert C. L. G.. (1859). "Catalogue of the fishes in the British Museum". British Museum (Natural History), Department of Zoology.
  21. (2012). "A New Species of ''Hypostomus'' (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Upper Rio Paraguay Basin, Brazil". Copeia.
  22. (2014). "A new species of the ''Hypostomus cochliodon'' group (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the rio Aripuanã basin in Brazil". Neotropical Ichthyology.
  23. (2013). "A new species of ''Hypostomus'' Lacépède, 1803 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the rio Tocantins-Araguaia basin, Brazil". Neotropical Ichthyology.
  24. (2016). "''Hypostomus formosae'', a new catfish species from the Paraguay River Basin with redescription of ''H. boulengeri'' (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)". Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters.
  25. (2013). "A new dark-dotted species of ''Hypostomus'' Lacépède (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from rio Paraguaçu, Bahia State, Brazil". Neotropical Ichthyology.
  26. (2012). "A new armored catfish species of the genus ''Hypostomus'' Lacépède, 1803 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the upper rio Xingu basin, Brazil". Neotropical Ichthyology.
  27. Penido, I. de S.. (2023). "A new tiny-spotted species of ''Hypostomus'' (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the upper Rio Tocantins basin, Goiás State, Brazil". Zootaxa.
  28. (2022). "''Hypostomus laplatae''".
  29. (2016). "A new species of ''Hypostomus'' Lacépède, 1803 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from rio Itapicuru basin, Bahia State, Brazil". Zootaxa.
  30. (2015). "''Hypostomus melanephelis'', a new armored catfish species from the rio Tapajós basin, Brazil (Teleostei: Loricariidae)". Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters.
  31. (2007). "A new species of ''Hypostomus'' Lacépède, 1803 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the upper rio Paraná basin, Southern Brazil". [[Neotropical Ichthyology]].
  32. (2012). "The cascudos of the genus ''Hypostomus'' Lacépède (Ostariophysi: Loricariidae) from the rio Iguaçu basin". Neotropical Ichthyology.
  33. (2014). "A new unicuspid-toothed species of ''Hypostomus'' Lacépède, 1803 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the rio Paraguai basin". Neotropical Ichthyology.
  34. Cláudio Henrique Zawadzki. (2018). "Redescription of ''Hypostomus latirostris'' (Regan, 1904) with the recognition of a new species of ''Hypostomus'' (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the upper rio Paraguay basin, Brazil". Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters.
  35. (2007). "''Hypostomus rhantos'' (Siluriformes: Loricariidae), a new species from southern Venezuela". [[Zootaxa]].
  36. (2019). "An integrated approach clarifies the cryptic diversity in ''Hypostomus'' Lacépède 1803 from the Lower la Plata Basin". Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências.
  37. (2016). "The genera ''Isorineloricaria'' and ''Aphanotorulus'' (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) with description of a new species". Zootaxa.
  38. (2014). "A new spiny species of ''Hypostomus'' Lacépède (Loricariidae: Hypostominae) from thermal waters, upper rio Paraná basin, central Brazil". Neotropical Ichthyology.
  39. (2007). "''Hypostomus chrysostiktos'', a new species of armored catfish (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from rio Paraguaçu, Bahia State, Brazil". [[Neotropical Ichthyology]].

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