Family Loricariidae
Loricariidae Bonaparte, 1831
The family Loricariidae comprises a highly diverse group of catfish, commonly referred to as plecos or armored catfish. This family includes a wide variety of species that differ significantly in size, coloration, and ecological specialization. A defining characteristic of all Loricariidae is their body armor: instead of typical fish scales, their bodies are largely covered with overlapping bony plates, which provide effective protection against predators.
Another key feature is their specialized mouth, which is often modified into a ventral suction disc. This adaptation allows them to firmly attach themselves to rocks, wood, and other submerged surfaces, even in fast-flowing water. The mouthparts are also equipped for grazing, enabling many species to feed on algae, biofilm, and other organic matter.
Most species within this family are well adapted to habitats with strong currents, such as rivers and streams. Their bodies are typically dorsoventrally flattened, reducing resistance to the flow of water, while their powerful sucker mouths help them maintain position in challenging conditions. These combined adaptations make Loricariidae particularly successful in dynamic freshwater environments across Central and South America.
The family Loricariidae is currently divided into 6 subfamilies:
- Delturiinae
- Hypostominae (including the former subfamily Ancistrinae)
- Hypoptopomatinae
- Lithogeneinae
- Neoplecostominae
- Otothyrinae
- Rhinelepinae
- Loricariinae