Angelicus Pleco L4 (Hypancistrus sp. 'L004')
| Angelicus Pleco L4 Hypancistrus sp. 'L004' | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Angelicus Pleco L4 |
| Name Lat. | Hypancistrus sp. 'L004' |
| Synonym | L5, L28, L73 |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Omnivore, soft wood |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, peaceful |
| Keeping | Individual, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 5-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 10-12 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 5-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 150 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 4"-4.7" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 18-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 40 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Angelfish L4 is the lower Rio Tocantins in the Brazilian state of Para. Roots protruding into the water, sunken tree trunks and branches serve as their habitat.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a robust planting and different sized stones and roots that provide hiding places. A sandy substrate, subdued light (floating plant cover) and a weak current are ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They prefer animal food, except for juveniles, which feed mainly on vegetable food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality dry food for loricariid catfish (granules, pellets, chips, tablets), supplemented with algae leaves, soft wood and fresh vegetables, such as zucchini, broccoli, bruised peas, scalded spinach, as well as zoopankton, cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, shrimp and mussel meat (live or frozen)
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes, excluding plant foods. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are crepuscular to nocturnal. Males are often territorial within the species, therefore several animals should only be kept in a richly structured tank. They are very peaceful towards other fish and are well suited for a community tank
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The slightly larger males have a thickened first pectoral fin ray and more and longer odontodes (pointed skin teeth) than females.
Reproduction and breeding
They spawn in caves. The clutch consists of up to 20 eggs and is cared for by the male. The larvae hatch after about 7 days and swim free after another 6-7 days.
The fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (microworms, Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
Aquarium plants basically do not serve as food for them, but they can be damaged or uprooted.
When catching, use nets with as fine a mesh as possible so that the hard rays of the pectoral fins or the skin teeth (odontodes) do not get caught on the bone plates, which can cause painful puncture wounds when touched.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch; WERNER, LECHNER, SCHMIDT (2005): MiniAtlas L-Welse, Bede Verlag
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF