Stenolicmus ix

Salpynx ix is physically similar to Stenolicmus sarmientoi, with which it was formerly considered to be congeneric. The head of this species is relatively small, and more dorso-ventrally compressed than the body, the overall dorsal surface of which is flat. Its branchial membranes are united to the isthmus, and its gill openings are unconstricted. The eyes, which sit dorso-laterally on the head, are small, with well-defined margins and distinct, integument-covered lenses. The posterior naris is round in shape, and similar in size to the eyes. The coloration of this species is mostly a uniform tan or cream that lightens somewhat ventrally. The spots, from which the species was named, are present on the dorsal surface and appear as dark brown, irregular blotches.

Salpynx ix is only known from its type locality, which is an unnamed tributary of the Rio Curuá in the lower Amazon basin near Alenquer, Pará State, Brazil. The holotype of this species was collected from a lotic area in a small stream which was approximately 5 m (16 ft) wide and less than 1 m (3 ft) deep. The margins of the stream were dominated by amphibious vegetation and a large amount of leaf litter was present on the bottom of the stream, though the fish itself is thought to dwell in the sand. S. ix was found to co-occur with 15 other species of fishes from orders such as the Characiformes, Perciformes, and other catfishes (Siluriformes).

== References ==

Salpynx ix is a member of the genus Salpynx, this name is based on that of a brass, trumpet like instrument in Ancient Greece, the salpinx, with a y replacing the i to prevent confusion with the term salpinx tube used in anatomy. This is an allusion to the type locality of the type species of the genus, S. trombetensis, the Rio Trombetas, the "trumpet river" in Portuguese . The specific name, ix, is Mayan for "jaguar", a reference to the grouped pattern of blotches on the skin of this fish.