Cephalosilurus
Cephalosilurus is a small genus of catfishes of the family Pseudopimelodidae. The genus was first described in 1911.
In 2021, it was considered a junior synonym of Lophiosilurus.
Species
As of 2012, there were currently four recognized species in this genus:Cephalosilurus albomarginatus Cephalosilurus apurensis Cephalosilurus fowleri Haseman, 1911Cephalosilurus nigricaudus
With the reclassification in 2021, they became L. albomarginatus, L. apurensis, L. fowleri, and ''L. nigricaudus.''
Distribution
Cephalosilurus species originate from South America. C. albomarginatus is found in Tukeit, Guyana. C. apurensis is distributed in the Rio Arichuna, Apure, Venezuela. C. fowleri originates from the São Francisco River basin. C. nigricaudus is found in the Sipaliwini District of Suriname.
Description
Cephalosilurus species have a great range in size. C. albomarginatus reaches 8.5 centimetres SL. C. apurensis grows to a length of 29 cm SL. C. fowleri can grow to 40 cm TL. C. nigricaudus reaches a length of 35 cm TL.
Ecology
C. albomarginatus is known to occur over sand and gravel partially covered with mud, leaves and dead wood. C. nigricaudus occurs in pools and in the backwater of rapids and fast streams with sand, rocks, and decaying wood on the bottom; it is found together with Bryconops caudomaculatus, Characidium blennoides, Pimelodella cristata, Leporinus friderici and Astyanax meunieri.
C. fowleri may be kept in the aquarium. This fish is an aggressive species and should be kept alone or with fish that are much larger than it. Though large, it is sedentary and does not require as much room as a similarly-sized active species of fish might. These fish should be fed sparingly and the aquarium kept clean.