Abstract
The climbing behavior in a suckermouth Loricariidae catfish species is reported for the first time. A group of eight specimens of Cordylancistrus sp. were observed in situ climbing a waterfall in a mountain stream of the Colombian Andes. Here, we described how this species overcame the vertical barrier, and finally discuss and hypothesized how "key innovations" developed could play an important role in the occupation of a new niche and in the diversification of the family Loricariidae.
Highlights
Tropical montane streams are aquatic ecosystems that present diverse challenges to the organisms that inhabit them
Four new species descriptions are in progress, from the Magdalena-Cauca, César, and Ranchería river basins in Colombia
No climbing behavior was previously reported in any suckermouth Loricariidae species, including those of the genera Chaetostoma, Cordylancistrus, Dolichancistrus, and Leptoancistrus, which represent the monophyletic “Chaestostoma” clade (Lujan et al 2015)
Summary
Tropical montane streams are aquatic ecosystems that present diverse challenges to the organisms that inhabit them. In streams of Hawaii and other island rivers (rivers characterized by steep slopes, high velocity flow, and high segmentation, Scatena & Gutpa 2012) juveniles of Gobiidae climb falls to avoid predators and reach the habitat occupy by the adults to accomplish recruitment (Keith 2003) They have evolved fused pelvic fins that function as a ventral sucker disc, which allows them to push themselves off against the substrate and move upwards by alternating their ventral attaching with several cycles of axial undulation (Schoenfuss & Blob 2003, Blob et al 2006). E. tridentatus can sometimes overcome these barriers by attaching to the dam ramps with their sucker mouths and shrinking and straightening their body to propel themselves up (Reinhardt et al 2008)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
