Neoplecostomus sapucai

Neoplecostomus sapucai is a species of catfish found in the Sapucaí River.^[1] The fish can reach about 3.5 inches in length and has elongated bodies, covered in bony plates. They have a broad head, bumpy lips, and tons of copper colored teeth. It is golden yellow and brown, and has blotches of color on its sides and fins.^[2]

Neoplecostomus sapucai
Dorsal, lateral and ventral views
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Siluriformes
Family:	Loricariidae
Genus:	Neoplecostomus
Species:	N. sapucai
Binomial name
Neoplecostomus sapucai Andrade et al., 2024

Sexual dimorphism

Neoplecostomus sapucai males have shorter and robust teeth, while females have more slender teeth.^[2]

Habitat

A live male specimen

Neoplecostomus sapucai live in stony, shallow streams that have crystal clear water and rapid flow. The species was found living near manmade things like highways or pastures, showing that humans don't pose that much of a threat on the species. The species is found in 16 different sites within the Sapucaí River drainage.^[2]

Etymology

The researchers who found Neoplecostomus sapucai said they named it after the Sapucaí River, where the species was found.^[2]