Loricaria sp. “Atabapo”
This is a unique species of Loricaria. It has some striking black stripes across it's eyes, giving it an appealing look. It's still undescribed, and was first imported in 2000 to Austria. It's a typical peaceful bottom dweller that thrives on open sandbeds where it can also dig itself into the substrate.
Facts:
Name: Loricaria sp. “Atabapo”
Trade names: Loricaria sp. “Atabapo”, L.sp.“Colombia” Crying Whiptail
Origin: An unnamed river north of the town Villavicencio, Colombia. Rio Atabapo, Venezuela.
Maximum size: 20 cm / 8''
There's some contradicting reports about the origin of this species, as they were initially discovered near the town Villavicencio southeast of Bogota. However, the species has since earned the nickname L.sp.“Atabapo”, suggesting that it (also?) occurs in the famous river much further east.
This is a typical sand-dweller that should be given open space on the bottom of your tank. They are very peaceful, and should not be kept with boisterous and oppressing species that outcompete them for food. They prefer meaty foods, abut should be fed a varied diet of quality dried foods and frozen foods. The cool thing about them is that the males are mouth brooders, so the eggs are cared for by the male who keeps them right underneath his head and torso. They can produce more than 100 eggs per clutch.
More info:
http://www.l-welse.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/1492/cat/33
http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=816