Loricarioidea

Loricarioidea is a superfamily of catfishes that are predominantly found in South America. This group is characterized by several distinctive features, including a prominent bony armor covering their bodies, which gives them their common name "armored catfishes." They also possess a specialized suckermouth, which is used for adhering to surfaces and scraping food. This adaptation allows them to inhabit a variety of environments, from fast-flowing rivers to the undersides of rocks and logs.

The superfamily Loricarioidea encompasses a wide array of families and genera, with the most well-known being the Loricariidae, commonly referred to as plecostomus or plecos. Within Loricariidae, there are numerous species with diverse appearances and sizes, ranging from small, ornamental fish kept in aquariums to much larger species found in their natural habitats. Other families within Loricarioidea include the Callichthyidae (cup-armored catfishes) and the Scoloplacidae (spiny dwarf catfishes).

These catfishes play important ecological roles in their native freshwater ecosystems. Many are detritivores or herbivores, consuming algae, decaying plant matter, and wood, which helps to keep their environments clean. Their armored bodies provide protection against predators. The diversity within Loricarioidea reflects a long evolutionary history and adaptation to a wide range of South American aquatic environments.