**Hisonotus aky**
**Definition:**
Hisonotus aky is a species of small freshwater catfish belonging to the family Loricariidae. It is native to South America, specifically found in river basins in Brazil.
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**Hisonotus aky**
Hisonotus aky is a species of armored catfish in the family Loricariidae, known for their bony plates covering the body and specialized mouthparts adapted for scraping algae. This species was described relatively recently and is part of the diverse genus Hisonotus, which includes several small-sized catfish species.
### Distribution and Habitat
Hisonotus aky is endemic to the Paraná River basin in Brazil. It typically inhabits shallow streams and rivers with moderate to slow currents, often favoring areas with abundant submerged vegetation and leaf litter. These environments provide both food sources and shelter from predators.
### Physical Description
Individuals of Hisonotus aky are small, generally reaching a standard length of around 3 to 4 centimeters. They exhibit a slender body covered with bony plates and possess a ventral sucker mouth, which helps them adhere to surfaces in flowing water. Their coloration tends to be mottled brown or gray, aiding in camouflage among river substrates.
### Ecology and Behavior
As a benthic species, Hisonotus aky primarily feeds on algae and biofilm found on submerged surfaces. Its role in the ecosystem includes contributing to the control of algal growth and serving as prey for larger aquatic animals. Reproductive behaviors and detailed life history traits remain subjects for further study.
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**Meta Description:**
Hisonotus aky is a small armored catfish species native to Brazil’s Paraná River basin, known for its algae-scraping behavior and bony plated body. It inhabits shallow freshwater streams with abundant vegetation.