Isorineloricaria acuarius

Isorineloricaria: from the Greek isos, meaning 'equal' or 'like', and the generic name Rineloricaria, because its body shape, prominent odontodes and the differences between the sexes strongly recall several Rineloricaria species (Isbrücker, 1980).

acuarius: from the Latin, meaning 'needle maker', in reference to the many long odontodes on breeding males (Ray & Armbruster, 2016).

Apure and middle Orinoco drainages in the Venezuelan Llanos. It's known from the río Apure and rivers draining into it, including the Portuguesa, Guanare, Guárico and Orituco, and from the río Arauca. Only one fish has been caught in the main Orinoco, just downstream of the mouth of the Apure (Ray & Armbruster, 2016). Type locality is 'Rio Portuguesa, 3 km northeast of El Barriero, Portuguesa, Venezuela', at about 9.052°N, 69.488°W.

It lives in flowing waters running over sandy substrates that are scattered with rocks and stones, and is often found on or around driftwood snags.

A tank at least 150 cm long is needed, and Südamerikafans recommends 200 cm.

A spacious tank is required, preferably with a sandy substrate. Provide hiding places and shade with some big chunks of driftwood and smooth rocks. Dim lighting is also beneficial. Try to arrange the decor so as much of it is off the tank bottom as possible, as the fish moves with great speed at times, especially when startled. It also needs well-oxygenated water, and an efficient filter to deal with the large amounts of waste it produces.

An unfussy feeder, it will accept most foods. Offer regular feedings of greens such as cucumber, courgette, blanched spinach etc., as well as live, frozen and dried stuff. It tends to become less of a vegetarian as it grows.

A peaceful species that can be kept with a variety of tankmates, such as larger characins, cyprinids, peaceful cichlids and other catfish. It's surprisingly non-territorial and can be kept both in a species group or other peaceful Loricariids.

Unknown.

Unknown.

It was sold as Hypostomus villarsi until it was described in 2016, and is a rare find in the hobby. If you're lucky enough to see some for sale, check the fish have rounded bellies and that their eyes aren't sunken before you part with any cash, as these are classic signs of emaciation in newly imported Loricariids.