Which genus confirms the Zebra Pleco's identity as a member of the armored catfish group?
Answer
*Hypancistrus*
Placing the Zebra Pleco within the genus *Hypancistrus* confirms its taxonomic status as a member of the broader group known as armored catfish, which typically includes species adapted to inhabit swift currents. While sharing ancestry within this genus with other suckermouth catfish, *H. zebra* exhibits features indicating a distinct evolutionary path. Its intense markings differentiate it morphologically from congeners that might possess duller or alternative patterns, even though they share the fundamental armored catfish body plan.
#Videos
Pleco Biologist talks Pleco Evolution (The Phylogenetics ... - YouTube
Related Questions
To which family does the black and white banded *Hypancistrus zebra* belong?To what specific river basin is *H. zebra* historically confined?What was the IUCN status of *H. zebra* following its 2016 re-evaluation?What anthropogenic activity most impacts the survival trajectory of wild *H. zebra*?What environmental parameters define the native habitat of *H. zebra* in the middle Xingu?What is the likely evolutionary purpose of the striking black and white banding on *H. zebra*?Which genus confirms the Zebra Pleco's identity as a member of the armored catfish group?What historical reliance for the aquarium trade initially placed unchecked pressure on wild *H. zebra* stocks?How do major hydroelectric dams create an ecological bottleneck for *H. zebra*?What genetic responsibility is now carried by the population existing outside the Xingu river system?