| Family: |
Trichomycteridae (Pencil or parasitic catfishes), subfamily: Trichomycterinae |
| Max. size: |
10.07 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
South America: Colombia, Cave El Puente. Cave El Puente is located in the center of a mountain to the west of the Andean mountain range in Colombia and is not registered in the speleological inventory of Santander (Ref. 58751). |
| Diagnosis: |
Trichomycterus santanderensis can be distinguished from other species of the genus by the following combination of characters: variable reduction in eyes from visible to imperceptible
due to covering by a thick integument; relatively high head (62.5% of HL); enlarged mouth width (49% of HL); extended maxillary, nasal and rictal barbels (113.6%, 106.7% and 75% of HL, respectively); first pectoral ray extending as long filament, about 95% of pectoral-fin length; depth of the caudal peduncle 17.5% SL; caudal fin truncate with a slightly convex edge, upper portion of fin longer than lower portion; color varied from homogeneous light-red pigmentation of adults to pale rose with small grayish round spots on dorsum of young individuals (Ref. 58751). |
| Biology: |
Troglomorphic species. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 27 August 2020 (B2ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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