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Description
Pseudohemiodon apithanos is a rare, unique Loricariid catfish. With a flattened, almost spoon-shaped appearance, it is alien-looking compared to most mother catfish. Also alien is their method of locomotion; rarely swimming, these fish tend to "walk" by shuffling on their pelvic and pectoral fins. The chameleon part of their name comes from their striking ability to change colour; when disturbed, they will rapidly change from a lighter gray colour to solid black. Sandy substrate is a must for these fish, as they sift their food from the sand and will also bury themselves in it quickly if startled. Interestingly, these catfish are lip-brooders, with the males carrying eggs on their lower lip until they are ready to hatch.