Werneke's Pleco (Ancistomus wernekei)
| Werneke's Pleco Ancistomus wernekei | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Werneke's Pleco |
| Name Lat. | Ancistomus wernekei |
| Synonym | Peckoltia wernekei, L243, LDA86 |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Venezuela |
| Habitat | Rivers |
| Diet | Omnivore, soft wood |
| pH | 5.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, peaceful |
| Keeping | Individual, pair, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 5-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 10-15 cm |
| Temperature | 25-29 °C |
| Hardness | 2-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 250 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 4"-6" |
| Temperature | 77-84 °F |
| Hardness | 36-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 65 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Banded Fiddler Catfish L243 is the Rio Orinoco in southern Venezuela. They live in river sections with medium current, preferably between dead wood and roots that protrude into the water.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a robust planting, with stones and caves (catfish burrows) and roots that provide hiding places and at the same time are part of their diet. A round-grained substrate of sand or gravel, subdued light (floating plants) and a medium 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 feed on plant and animal 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, 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 are crepuscular to nocturnal. Within the species they behave occasionally territorial, so several animals should be maintained only 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
Adult males have a much more slender and elongated body shape than the more rounded females and have significantly longer interopercular odontodes (gill cover spines) on the pectoral fins and posterior part of the body.
Reproduction and breeding
There are only isolated reports of successful breeding in the aquarium. They are cave breeders and the male does the brood care.
Important
Aquatic plants with soft leaves could be considered food.
When catching, use as fine-meshed nets as possible to avoid snagging the hard rays of the pectoral fins or the skin teeth (odontodes) located 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: Sylvia Hos; Image: Franz Lowak
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