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Which ostariophysan fishes usually live near the bottom of lakes and rivers?
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ostariophysan
Knifefish, or featherback (Xenomystus nigri)
Within the superorder Ostariophysi, several groups are specifically adapted to life on the lake or river floor. While many characins and cyprinids typically inhabit the middle and upper layers of the water column, suckers, loaches, and the majority of catfishes are considered benthic, or bottom-dwelling, animals. These species are highly adapted to this existence, with catfishes generally exhibiting the most activity during the night or in conditions of reduced light.1