Meet a group of catfish new to scientists

The word catfish might call to mind the gray, slick-skinned, long-whiskered catch celebrated by sport fishers. But while it’s true that none have scales and all have whisker-like tentacles, catfish are actually quite diverse: roughly 2,900 species are found in freshwater and marine bodies around the world. In February, a group of researchers led by Field Museum scientist Lesley de Souza added six more to that number—all with some pretty funky-looking snouts.

NEW TO SCIENCE

The new species, discovered in South America, are part of the genus Ancistrus and commonly referred to as bristlenose catfish—a name that reflects the feelers on the face of the male fish.

ON THE NOSE

Both sexes have tentacles, but the male’s are much bigger, resembling larvae. Since the males protect eggs and larvae from predators, researchers think their larvae-like tentacles may play a role in attracting females.

Ancistrus amaris

Ancistrus leoni

Ancistrus saudades

Ancistrus patronus

Ancistrus yutajae

Ancistrus kellerae

LIFE & TIMES

RANGE Amazon and Orinoco river basins in Colombia, Guyana, and Venezuela
HABITAT clear-water creeks, streams, and among rocks or woody debris in rivers
DIET mostly algae; some other vegetation
THREATS loss of habitat to mining, agriculture, and deforestation

ANATOMY

SIZE 3–6 inches long
HEAD SPINES can be expanded in self-defense
BONY PLATES cover the body, offering protection
MOUTH functions like a vacuum cleaner to suck up algae