The Hypancistrus Pleco is a freshwater fish that is native to the Amazon River. They are known to be a very hardy fish and are considered one of the most popular fish for an aquarium. These rare fish have a lot of personality and should be kept in groups of at least five. They are generally peaceful but will sometimes show aggression towards other Hypancistrus Plecos or other types of fish that enter their territory.
Not usually cheap or always readily available in local pet stores and sometimes these plecos can be abit more difficult to keep, aquarists just love these suckermouthed Hypancistrus plecos though.
Hypancistrus Plecos for Aquariums Must Meet These Requirements.
Plecos are a beautiful fish to have in your aquarium. They are very popular because of their vibrant colors and their ability to clean the tank of algae. They are also great for feeding on leftover food that fish can’t eat. However, there are certain requirements that you must meet before you can successfully keep them in your aquarium. First, they need at least a 20 gallon tank with a filter that is rated for at least 50 gallons per hour. The pleco will also need an environment with plenty of hiding spots, like rocks or plants. The water temperature should be kept between 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit and the water should be soft and acidic with a pH level between 6-8. Finally, they will need some live plants like java ferns or anacharis to feed on
The 5 Best Hypancistrus Plecos For Your Aquarium.
The Hypancistrus Plecos is one of the most popular freshwater fish among aquarium owners. This article will cover the best Hypancistrus Plecos for your aquarium, and also list the best freshwater fish for your tank. Here are some of the species that breeders and collectors adore.
(1) Hypancistrus Zebra Pleco
The zebra pleco (Hypancistrus zebra) is a species of catfish endemic to Brazil where it occurs in the Big Bend area of the Xingu River, a tributary of the Amazon River, and was first described in the early 1990s. It gets its name from its black and white stripes, resembling the colouration of a zebra. This species grows to a length of 6.4 centimetres (2.5 in) SL.
Origin: Endemic to the Rio Xingu, Brazil.
Size: To 8cm/3.1in.
Tank size: Minimum 60 x 30cm/24 x 12in.
Temperature: 26–30°C/78.8–86°F.
Water chemistry: Soft acidic to slightly base water; pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 2–16°H.
Feeding: Carnivorous fish that enjoys bloodworms, brine shrimp and even Daphnia.
Mature males have a larger head and longer interopercular spines than females. After spawning, the males will guard the eggs. The fry swim after seven days and absorb the yolk sac in two weeks.
This fish was exported from Brazil in great numbers for sale as aquarium fish. However, currently the Brazilian government bans the export of certain Hypancistrus, including H. zebra.
Notes: Despite being threatened by dam construction, wild caught fish offered in the UK may well have been illegally caught and smuggled out via other countries. Tank bred/farmed fish are available and completely legal.
(2) L201 Hypancistrus Contradens.
Hypancistrus contradens is a species of armored catfish endemic to Venezuela where it occurs in the Orinoco River.
Temperature: 72 – 86° F (22 – 30° C)
pH: 5.0 – 7.5 (flexible as long as sudden changes are avoided)
KH: 6 – 10 dKH.
Minimum tank size: 40 gallons
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.
Baby brine shrimp are a great food for fish fry, They promote very rapid growth and survival rate.
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.
(3) L236 Hypancistrus Super White
A very beautiful variety rarely seen on stocklists, those seen are line bred from a handful of wild imports.
Typical Hypancistrus body shape. Can only really be confused with L066 and L333. L236 has a white base coloration with black lines. These lines are less numerous than on L066 and L333, they are also thinner. Belly is all white
P.H – 6.6 – 7.6
Temperature 24 -29.0°C 75.2-84.2°F
Feeding: Omnivorous. They still prefer meaty food such as bloodworms, gammarus and brine shrimp. Commercially prepared food such as Spirulina tabs are also avidily eaten.
(L236) prefers fine sand on the bottom of the tank. The aquarium tank should be decorated using rocks and scattered driftwood. Caves made out of slate plates, bamboo or PVC pipe is also a recommended. Enough caves and hiding places can help reduce aggression in this species.
(4) Hypancistrus sp (L260) – Queen Arabesque Pleco
The Queen Arabesque Pleco comes from South America in the rivers Brazil, Para and Rio Tapajos. Because of their beauty, the Queen Arabesque Pleco is the fish keeper’s substitute to the much sought after zebra pleco, although they don’t look very much like them. The L260’s have a black and white squiggly pattern over their entire body. They also have small spots scatted here and there over the body as well as on the dorsal fin. The younger fish tend to have their stripes more spaced out and as they age, the stripes become more, creating a more “fine” striped appearance. Another name they are known by, although less common, is Scribble plec
L260’s prefer a fast current. Every so often you may see them in the current of the filter output. A power head or two (depending on the tank size) can easily see to that requirement, however they are able to survive without.
PH: 6.4 to 7.5, medium to medium-hard water.
Temperature: of 73 to 82°F (23-28°C)
Maintaining correct care in general tank maintenance will go a long way in keeping them healthy and happy. Driftwood is needed for them to rasp on and caves should made for them to go to when in need of refuge or for spawning.
They grow up to anything between 3.5 to 4 inches in length. Queen arabesque plecos are generally peaceful catfish and should not be kept with the very aggressive bottom dwellers as it may result in them getting left out at feeding time.
Aggressive fish such as large cichlids, too are not recommended as tank mates. However males can be territorial in terms of guarding his territory, i.e. his cave, especially against other males of the same species.
These catfish are carnivores and will not live on the food generally fed to most of the other more commonly found catfish, of which, most are herbivores or omnivores. L260’s have tiny teeth just behind their lips which they use to rasp off tiny critters they may find, generally on driftwood. They have teeth inside their mouth as well, and will eat most meaty foods like blood worms, brine shrimp, gammarus and occasionally small pieces of shrimp and mussels. Some may even eat cichlid pellets as well as other sinking foods normally given to carnivorous bottom dwellers. An acclimatized Queen Arabesque Pleco may also snack on veggies such as cucumber, lettuce and zucchini.
(5) Hypancistrus 134 Leopard frog pleco
Peckoltia Compta, L134
Food & Diet: Omnivorous
Size: 3.5-4.2 inches
Minimum Tank Size30 gallons
Temperature: 78-86°F (26-30°C)
Water pH6.5-7.5
Breeding: Cave spawner
Leopard Frog Plecos (Peckoltia compta) have dark colored bodies with yellow stripes that goes along their entire body. As the fish mature, the bright yellow stripes on their body tends to turn into the darker hue. As they mature, the stripe pattern tend to turn into spots as well. Regardless of their pattern formation, a healthy fish should have a vibrant coloration. Fish that appear washed out could indicate that they are stressed or is unhealthy. They have small compact bodies and long fins that are partially translucent at the ends.
Male and Female Leopard Frog Pleco look similar, but it is possible to tell the difference. As they mature, males develop odontodes. These are tooth-like structures, but they do not function as teeth. Females will not develop odontodes. On the other hand, females will have a wider body shape. While identifying the difference between a male and female will be difficult as juveniles, it becomes easier as they mature.
These fish are indigenous to South America. More specifically, they are often found in Rio Tapajos and Rio Tomo of Brazil. Within these rivers, they are often perched on driftwood or rock, with their fins flowing with the current.
While they are small, they have a captivating appearance. This has made them a popular aquarium fish among many fishkeepers.
Leopard Frog Pleco Care
Leopard Frog Plecos are relatively hardy fish, but proper care is required to keep this fish. These fish originate in rivers with clear water, and an aquarium with poor water quality will not be suitable for these fish. In order to avoid health issues, it is important to maintain good water quality.
These are peaceful fish, but they can become territorial. They will usually pick a spot within the tank, and claim it as their territory. If you intend to keep a group of these fish, be sure to provide enough space for all fish. Providing plenty of cave structures is important as well.
Keep in mind that Leopard Frog Plecos are not algae eating fish. While they do enjoy plant-based food as part of a varied diet, they will not clean up the algae in your aquarium as a dedicated algae eater would.
Tank Setup
Leopard Frog Plecos require a specific tank setup, especially if you intend to keep healthy specimen in the long term. If the tank is set up correctly, they will display their natural behavior and possibly breed as well.
Tank Size
Leopard Frog Plecos need a minimum tank size of 30 gallons. However, a larger tank is better, especially if you intend to keep multiple fish. More specifically a fish tank with a large surface area is important. Typically, each Leopard Frog Pleco will claim a territory of approximately 12 inches by 12 inches. Since they tend to stick to the bottom half of the aquarium, the height of the tank is not too important.
Having a clean fish tank is one of the most important aspect to fish keeping. so it’s good to have a good combination of filters in your fish tank because they help to get rid of the harmful substances in your tap water. like Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite chlorine and reduces Alge. Don’t forget that Nitrate, Nitrite are two different things, and that chlorine should be removed from the water before adding to your fish tank.
Here Are Some Of the Products I Use And Highley Recommend For Your Fish Tanks And Aquariums
Fluval Cycle and Aquaplus Water Treatment Pack
Immediately establishes safe biological aquarium environment
Powerful responsive ammonia and nitrite elimination
Prevents fish loss
Allows immediate introduction of fish
Testing shows the water quality stays consistently good, the pH is buffered and water clarity is excellent. I have previously used multiple API and Tetra products but will continue to use this instead. I have no complaints and highly recommend you try this you will love the results.
Water Clarifier for freshwater aquariums
Powerful responsive ammonia and nitrite elimination
Immediately establishes a safe environment
Maintaining Crystal Clear Water
By following each of these steps, you should be able to eliminate the key problems that can cause any cloudiness in your tank, and they will help create a thriving environment for your fish to inhabit – making that crystal clear paradise a true reality.
If any discolouration or cloudiness returns, don’t rush too quickly to fix it, as this can often fix itself naturally as part of your tank’s cycle.
Fluval Co2 Pressurized Kit
Fluval CO2 compressed kits come complete with all the tools needed to grow lush and vibrant plants in your aquarium
JBL ProFlora Bio80, Bio-CO2 system with glass diffuser
Natural: CO2 production from biological fermentation process. No pressurised gas cylinder needed,
These Fish Tank cleaning Products Are Amazing! They really do work. My tank is crystal clear and there seem to be NO nitrate or nitrite levels to worry about. I’ve only been using it for a while in a 6 foot tank that has just recently been set up. There are plants in the tank along with a Few Fish And Everything seems really happy.
We Do Recommend These if you are still looking what to feed your freshwater fish then try feeding your fish these.
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