Mega Clown Pleco L340 (Hypancistrus sp. 'L340')
| Mega Clown Pleco L340 Hypancistrus sp. 'L340' | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Mega Clown Pleco L340 |
| Name Lat. | Hypancistrus sp. 'L340' |
| Synonym | LDA19 |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Colombia |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Omnivore, soft wood |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, peaceful |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 5-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 8-10 cm |
| Temperature | 26-30 °C |
| Hardness | 1-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 120 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 3"-4" |
| Temperature | 79-86 °F |
| Hardness | 18-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 30 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Red Zebra Catfish L340 is the Rio Tomo in northeastern Colombia. They prefer to live in oxygen-rich water between sunken tree trunks and roots that protrude into the water.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a robust planting with numerous caves made of stones and roots, which offer 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 and nocturnal. Males are sometimes intraspecific and territorial towards other loricariids. Multiple animals should only be kept in large, richly structured tanks. They are very peaceful towards other fish and can be socialized well with them
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
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 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. In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
Aquarium plants do not serve as food for them and are hardly nibbled or eaten.
When catching them, 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; SCHMIDT, WERNER, LECHNER (2005): MiniAtlas L-Welse, Bede-Verlag
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF