Alcalde

<em>Sturisomatichthys panamense</em> is a freshwater armored catfish of the family Loricariidae, recognized for its graceful, elongated body profile characteristic of the sturisomatine group. Adults reach approximately 26 cm in length. Members of the genus <em>Sturisomatichthys</em> are distinguished by their flattened, leaf-like silhouette, long rostral plates, and often elaborate fin extensions, making them among the more visually distinctive loricariids. The species is associated with freshwater river systems in Central America and adjacent regions, consistent with its common name referencing Panama. Like all loricariids, it is benthic, using a ventral sucker mouth to feed on algae and biofilm from hard surfaces in flowing water. Details of habitat and range for this species remain limited in the ichthyological literature. <em>S. panamense</em> has not been evaluated under IUCN criteria. In the aquarium hobby, related sturisomatine species are valued for their unusual body shape and algae-grazing behavior, and <em>S. panamense</em> may share similar care requirements.