The first observation of copulation in <scp>Andean</scp> catfish Astroblepus ubidiai ( <scp>Siluriformes, Astroblepidae</scp> ), in <scp>Lago San Pablo, Imbabura, Ecuador</scp>

The reproductive behaviour of the Andean catfish Astroblepus ubidiai was observed directly and with an underwater camera in a spring located next to Lago San Pablo in the province of Imbabura, Ecuador, in late 2015 and early 2016. Five mating attempts were observed, four of which were video-taped, and two of which resulted in complete copulation. During copulation, the male grabs the female from the top of the head with its buccal disc and pelvic fins and, from this position, bends its body forming a &quot;C&quot; to reach the genital pore of the female and introduce its copulatory organ. Once copulation is complete, the female swims away rapidly. Details of the copulation are described here through illustrations.