Pleco catfish l201 - Hypancistrus contradens
Scientific name: Hypancistrus contradens
Common name: Pleco catfish l201
Family: Loricariidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 11 - 14 cm (4.33 - 5.51 inch)
014
Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.7
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 7 - 15°N (125 - 267.86ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 25 - 28 °C (77 - 82.4°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South America
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels
Origin
South America; Pleco catfish l201 are to be found in the waterways of Venezuela.
General care
Like many of the plec species, these fish prefer some form of current in the aquarium, as long as there is some form of water flow it will keep these fish happy and should establish an healthy specimen. The water flow can be created by placing a couple of small power heads in the aquarium or by careful angling of the outlet pipes from internal or external filters.
They will require hiding places added to the aquarium, driftwood, bogwood or even terracota plant pots placed on their sides will be beneficial. They are sensitive to poor water quality so large water changes should be performed on a weekly basis and the oxygen levels in the water should be kept at a high level, the power heads can also help with this if they are pointed towards the water surface thus increasing the rate of gaseous exchange.
Only keep this plec with peaceful tank mates as they will not tolerate any aggression, this will cause them to hide away which in turn will lead to stress and future health problems.
Food and feeding
Pleco catfish l201 is classed as a carnivore; provide them with meaty foods like blood worms and brine shrimp. They will also accept quality flakes or wafers. Although meaty foods is the mainstay of their diet they will also readily accept vegetable matter and spirulina flakes to give them good balanced meals.
Sexing
Males will develop teeth-like growths on their pectoral fins. These are more noticeable in the spawning season. The easiest way to sex these fish is to view them from above. The overall body shape of the female will appear more stocky compared to the male and the female may display less colouration.
Breeding
Hypancistrus contradens are cave spawners, the inclusion of some piping or artificial caves in the breeding tank will be beneficial. The male will do all of the brooding once the eggs have been laid and these should hatch after 14 days. When the male has released the fry, they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Hypancistrus contradens is 10 years.
Short description
As with all of these catfish, hiding places must be provided as they will be more active in the evening than the daytime. Pleco catfish l201 may become territorial with their own species as they mature. To prevent cross breeding in the aquarium it is best to keep this species only and not mix them with other plec species.
Pictures
Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.