Orange Edge Bearded Pleco L259 (Pseudancistrus sp. 'L259')

Orange Edge Bearded Pleco L259 Pseudancistrus sp. 'L259'
Name	Orange Edge Bearded Pleco L259
Name Lat.	Pseudancistrus sp. 'L259'
Synonym	LDA32
Family	Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes
Family lat.	Loricariidae
Order	Catfishes
Order lat.	Siluriformes
Origin	Brazil
Habitat	Tributaries, streams
Diet	Limnivore, soft wood
pH	5.0-7.5
Behavior	Nocturnal, peaceful
Keeping	Individual, pair, group
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Substrate spawner
Breeding	None reported
Life Span	N/A
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	15-20 cm
Temperature	25-29 °C
Hardness	2-20 °dH
Aquarium	~ 300 l
US Units
Size	6"-8"
Temperature	77-84 °F
Hardness	36-356 ppm
Aquarium	~ 80 gal

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of the crepuscular to nocturnal Red Fringed Sucker Catfish L259 is the catchment area of the Rio Tapajos at the lower Amazon in Brazil. They live mainly in shallow water with stones, roots protruding into the water and dead wood.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a robust border planting with round stones, caves (catfish caves) and roots, which offer hiding places and which are at the same time part of the food. A substrate of sand and round gravel, subdued light (floating plant cover) and a medium current is 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 eat the vegetable cover (growth) of stones, wood, plants, etc. and the microorganisms contained therein. 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 or scalded spinach, plus occasional small amounts of zooplankton, cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen). Feed only 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 sometimes behave intra-species territorial, therefore several animals should be maintained only in large and richly structured tanks. Towards other fish they behave peacefully and are well suited for a community tank

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

There are no known external distinguishing characteristics.

Reproduction and breeding

There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.

Important

Pseudancistrus sp. L259 is identical to Pseudancistrus sp. LDA32. Differences in coloration are origin dependent.

They have a strong sucking mouth, with spoon-shaped teeth for scraping wood, and an intestinal flora that allows the fish to digest cellulose.

When fishing, use the finest mesh nets possible to prevent the hard rays of the pectoral fins or the skin teeth (odontodes) from getting 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: Ruinemans Aquarium B.V.

Source: BMEL (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); WERNER, LECHNER, SCHMIDT (2005): MiniAtlas L-Welse, Bede Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch 

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF