Eremophilus mutisii

Eremophilus mutisii
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Eremophilus mutisii, original illustration by Humboldt
Conservation status
Data Deficient (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Siluriformes
Family:	Trichomycteridae
Subfamily:	Trichomycterinae
Genus:	Eremophilus Humboldt, 1805
Species:	E. mutisii
Binomial name
Eremophilus mutisii Humboldt, 1805
Synonyms
Of Eremophilus Thrichomycterus Humboldt, 1805 Trachypoma Giebel, 1871 Of E. mutisii Trachypoma marmoratum Giebel, 1871 Trichomycterus venulosus Steindachner, 1915

Eremophilus mutisii is a species of catfish (order Siluriformes) of the family Trichomycteridae, and the only member of its genus. This fish grows to about 30 centimetres (12 in) and originates from the Bogotá River basin, which is a tributary of the Magdalena River. It has probably been introduced to Ubaté, Chiquinquirá, and Tundama valleys, Colombia.

E. mutisii uses the vascularized central portion of its stomach for aerial respiration. Air ventilation takes place during a rapid dash to the surface with the expiration of old air preceding inspiration. Air-breathing occurs in hypoxic and normoxic water, but is not obligatory. The evolution of a reduced swimbladder is associated with a benthic mode of life in E. mutisii.

This fish species is an excellent food fish. It is the only species of food fish which has been able to survive competition from introduced trout and carp species into the region.