Demonstrating the Ecosystem Effects of Armored Suckermouth Catfishes (Loricariidae): A Feasibility Study Using Mesocosms

The purpose of this experiment was to design and evaluate an effective way to observe the environmental effects of Loricariidae, more commonly known as armored suckermouth catfishes, or simply suckermouth catfishes. The authors solution is to use mesocosms, medium-sized containers that replicate aquatic habitat. Another aspect of the experiment focuses on exploring which environmental receptors are directly affected by the presence of the suckermouth catfishes. The targeted receptors include water quality, periphyton, phytoplankton, macrophytes, and a native fish.