5) * Hypostomus cf. niceforoi (Fowler 1943);

Loricariidae.

Japurá Suckermouth; Pez Diablo, Plecostomo, Pleco, Arrisuaca, Chupapiedras, Pez Gato Acorazado (Fig. 2G).

Diagnosis: This exotic species differs from other congeners as well as related species of the Hypostominae (Loricariidae) occurring in Middle American freshwaters by the following combination of characters: jaws long, with dentaries approaching a 180° angle; teeth villiform and numerous (>60); hypertrophied odontodes on evertible plates on the cheek absents; dorsal fin elements II, 7; and coloration pattern (greyish blue to greyish brown with several black spots on the body, fins and abdomen). See Matamoros et al. (2016) for a detailed comparative analysis.

Basis of the record: Several captures have been recently (2013–2021) reported by artisanal and sport anglers in the lower and middle portions (0– 110 m.a.s.l.) of the Lago de Nicaragua, Río Frío, San Juan, San Carlos, Sarapiquí, Tortuguero, Parismina (Atlantic), Nicoya, Tempisque, Bebedero and Barranca (Pacific) River basins.

Remarks: This species was recorded around the Lago de Nicaragua, at the Rivas Department (municipality of Cardenas), by Matamoros et al. (2016). Published and unpublished records of Hypostomus aspidolepis (Günther, 1867) in Costa Rican freshwaters outside its native range of distribution (i.e., the Térraba and Coto River basins), e.g., Herrera & Molina (2011), also could correspond to this invasive species. The “ cf. ” designation was employed, following Matamoros et al. (2016), since H. niceforoi may be a species complex that probably will be divided into multiple species in the future.