Origin
Native to the Chapecó River basin in southern Brazil, where it inhabits shallow, plant-rich tributaries with clear water, submerged wood, and plenty of flow.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Olive-brown with fine striping and armored plating, this fish blends into natural aquascapes. It hugs surfaces as it grazes, providing a steady, non-disruptive presence in the tank.

Purpose
Serves as a nano-scale algae grazer and biofilm cleaner. Helps control soft algae and maintains surface cleanliness on leaves, glass, and hardscape.

Importance
One of the few true nano Loricariids available in the hobby. Its small size makes it ideal for densely planted tanks or delicate aquascapes where larger algae-eaters would be disruptive.

Included Resources
Requires aged driftwood, botanicals, and a mature biofilm. Benefits from gentle current, shaded areas, and dense plant growth. Soft, acidic water improves longevity.

Best Use Cases
Perfect for nano tanks, blackwater biotopes, and peaceful planted aquariums. Compatible with shrimp colonies and sensitive fish species.

Conservation Context
Restricted to a narrow range in southern Brazil. Vulnerable to habitat disruption and pollution. Not commonly captive-bred; responsible sourcing is important.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Ember and glowlight tetras
• Apistogramma and Dicrossus
• Dwarf rasboras and Boraras spp.
• Otocinclus and pygmy Corydoras
• Neocaridina or Caridina shrimp

Region (A)
• Latitude: -26.8221° S
• Longitude: -52.6034° W
(Chapecó River Basin, Santa Catarina, Brazil)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -27.2107° S
• Longitude: -52.6782° W
(Uruguay River drainage, southern Brazil)