What family groups *Hypancistrus zebra* with other armored suckermouth catfish species?
Answer
Loricariidae
The Zebra Pleco is formally placed within the family Loricariidae. This classification is critical because members of this family are characterized by their unique external covering of overlapping bony plates, commonly referred to as scutes, which serve as a protective armor. Although the family is widely known for many species that function as bottom-dwelling algae scrapers, the *Hypancistrus* genus represents a lineage within Loricariidae that exhibits different behavioral and dietary tendencies, often leaning towards being carnivorous or omnivorous.
Related Questions
What family groups *Hypancistrus zebra* with other armored suckermouth catfish species?What does the genus name *Hypancistrus* roughly translate to, referencing the fish's behavior?Who developed the L046 or L46 identification code system used for many Loricariids?What visual feature inspired the species epithet *zebra* in the scientific name *Hypancistrus zebra*?Which specific river system basin confines the entire known wild population of *Hypancistrus zebra*?Which Order places *H. zebra* within the larger group that includes all catfishes?What Class designation identifies *H. zebra* as belonging to the group dominated by ray-finned fishes?What dietary preference is suggested for *H. zebra* based on its placement in the *Hypancistrus* genus?In the informal designation L046, what biological group does the letter 'L' signify for this catfish?What key morphological feature defines members of the Loricariidae family, earning them their common designation?