A Systematic Study of the Big-eyed Armored Catfish Hypoptopoma

A Systematic Study of the Big-eyed Armored Catfish Hypoptopoma, by Dr. Adriana Aquino

Now let's look a little closer at the taxonomic levels on our Hypoptopomalist:

FORM: To consider form, we ask questions to determine the differentiation of organisms based on similarities and differences. For example, when we study a new fish, we observe its characteristics, describe it in detail, and compare it with other fishes so we can differentiate it from others.

The genus Hypoptopomabelongs to the family Loricariidae, one of the approximately 32 families of living catfishes (=Order Siluriformes).

If you'd like to find out more about catfishes, go to the site below:

http://george.cosam.auburn.edu/usr/key_to_loricariidae/key.html

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