In Aphanotorulus, all species show clear sexual dimorphism and have a generally flatter appearance than other hypostomine genera. The posterior edge of the oral disc is jagged rather than smooth. Aphanotoroulus can be distinguished from Isorineloricaria by having caudal peduncles that do not become greatly lengthened with size and that are oval in cross section (vs. caudal peduncle proportions that get proportionately longer with size and that become round in cross-section), and by having small dark spots (less than half plate diameter) on a light tan background (vs. spots almost as large as lateral plates on a nearly white background.
An elongate species that appears widespread throughout the Amazon and correspondingly has acquired a series of L numbers. We are talking about a very widely distributed, variable species. In terms of distribution and regional variation this species is to the Loricariidae what Corydoras aeneus is to the Callichthyidae. Can be most readily distinguished by its long crescent shaped caudal fin which has a red or orange outer margin.
| Feeding | An adaptible omnivore with a preference towards greens. Cucumber or similar should be offered periodically but this fish with do well an most sinking pellet food. |
| Furniture | Open shaded spaces sized appropriately to the fish, this fish likes to swim in and out fast and so space must be given to avoid mistakes when the fish is in flight. Large terracotta pipes are ideal, doesn't appear to have a requirement for bogwood or plants. |
| Compatibility | Requires space as an adult fish as is more flighty than, say, Pterygoplichthys spp. Peaceful with plecos even one third of its size. |
| Suggested Tankmates | Medium to large sized community fish and ideal and pretty addition to a south american cichlid tank, will withstand life in a well oxygenated discus tank and is a good pleco as such as it rarely leaves the bottom. |