Lophiosilurus alexandri is a species of catfish (order Siluriformes) of the family Pseudopimelodidae, and the only species of the monotypic genus Lophiosilurus.
This fish originates from the São Francisco River in Brazil.[1] Here, it is commonly known as pacamã.[2] It prefers lentic habitats.[2] This species has been introduced into the Doce River basin, but its effect on the native species has not been studied.[2]
This fish reaches 72 cm (2.36 ft) in total length and has a maximum published weight of 5 kg (11 lb).[1] It has an extremely large mouth, earning it the name Pac-Man catfish.[3]
L. alexandri is a sedentary species.[2] This species has adhesive eggs and the male displays parental care.[2]
L. alexandri represents an example of parallel evolution, sharing a similar morphology and lifestyle to species of the distantly related Chaca catfish.[3]
L. alexandri is considered threatened by Brazil's Ministry of the Environment.[4]
L. alexandri has economic potential for aquaculture.[2] It is a rarely imported aquarium fish. These fish require a sandy substrate and should not be maintained with fish that it can eat (a fish less than half of its size).[3]
Lophiosilurus alexandri is a species of catfish (order Siluriformes) of the family Pseudopimelodidae, and the only species of the monotypic genus Lophiosilurus.
