Classification:
Order: Siluriformes
Family: Loricariidae
Distribution:
Known only from the lower rio Xingu in the vicinity of Porto de Moz, Pará state, northern Brazil. The Xingu is a major tributary of the lower Amazon and much of its aquatic fauna is under threat due to hydroelectric construction projects.
Maximum Standard Length:
130 – 150mm.
Aquarium Size:
An aquarium with base dimensions of 120 x 45cm should be the smallest considered.
Maintenance:
Not difficult to maintain under the correct conditions; we strongly recommend keeping it in a tank designed to simulate a flowing stream with a substrate of variably-sized rocks, sand, fine gravel, and some water-worn boulders. This can be further furnished with driftwood branches, terracotta pipes, plant pots, etc., arranged to form a network of nooks, crannies, and shaded spots, thus providing broken lines of sight. Like many fishes that naturally inhabit running water it’s intolerant to accumulation of organic pollutants and requires spotless water in order to thrive. Weekly water changes of 30-50% tank volume should also be considered routine. Though torrent-like conditions are unnecessary it does best if there is a high proportion of dissolved oxygen and some water movement in the tank meaning power filter(s), additional powerhead(s), or airstone(s) should be employed as necessary.
Water Conditions:
Temperature: 26 – 30 °C
pH: 5.5 – 7.5
Hardness: 36 – 268 ppm
Diet:
Wild specimens are likely omnivorous but with a preference for aquatic invertebrates and suchlike. In the aquarium it does best when offered a varied diet comprising sinking dried foods, frozen Daphnia, mosquito larvae, chironomid larvae (bloodworm), and prawn/shrimp, for, example, while some raw potato and other vegetables might also be accepted. Home-made foods using a mixture of natural ingredients bound with gelatin are very useful since they can be tailored to contain fresh vegetables, Spirulina or similar plus meatier ingredients.
Behaviour and Compatibility:
A generally peaceful species which can be maintained in a well-chosen community alongside other quiet fishes. It should not be maintained alongside other Hypancistrus spp. in order to prevent hybridisation, nor will it compete well with excessively territorial or otherwise aggressive tank mates.
Sexual Dimorphism:
Adult males possess a broader head plus more extensive odontodes on the leading pectoral-fin rays and interopercular region than females, while older males may darken in colour somewhat. Males are also more slender and less stocky than females, a difference which is easily observed when the fish are viewed from above.
Reproduction:
Cave-spawner with the male responsible for brood care. It’s been bred regularly in aquaria and in a set-up with sufficient cover fry can be reared alongside the adults.
Notes:
This unidentified species possesses a highly variable colour pattern with the pale, randomly-arranged spots and blotches on the body ranging in colour from whitish to yellowish to rusty orange depending on the specimen. It’s regularly confused with similar-looking relatives such as L066 and L400, but differs from the former in possessing a darker base body colour and less fine pattern of pale markings and the latter in its less elongate, squatter body shape.
