ANDEAN CATFISH (Astroblepus ubidiai)

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Description: Catfish are among the world's most abundant and diverse freshwater fish. Like many catfish species, the Andean catfish has barbels around the mouth that contain taste buds that help the animal find food at night. The Andean catfish is native to the rivers and streams in the mountains of Ecuador, and is endangered due to pollution, fishing and loss of suitable habitat.

IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Major Threats: Pollution, fishing and habitat loss
Habitat: Mountainous rivers and streams
Location: Ecuador
Diet: Fish, frogs, snails, algae and other aquatic species