PlanetCatfish.com - Hypancistrus sp. (L173) (Loricariidae) Cat-eLog

Pair, female right
Female
Female
Female
Male
Male
Male
Ventral view of head

Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name	Hypancistrus sp. (L173)
Common Names	L173, Bølget Zebrasugemalle (Denmark) Wavy Zebra Pleco
Pronunciation	hype an siss truss
Etymology	A contraction of the Greek hypo (meaning less than) and ancistrus, an allusion to the reduced number of teeth (particularly in the lower jaw) found in this genus.
Species Information
Size	80mm or 3.1" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification	L173 is different to H. zebra, although some documentation (including DATZ) sees them as the same species. They are most likely NOT the same species. H. zebra has more straight lines that go laterally along the body, L173's stripes are more irregular and "vertical". Aside form that, as L173 matures, it has a stockier build and a higher body.
Sexing	The first pectoral fin ray of the male is somewhat thicker than that of the female. Males in breeding condition further develop their spine-like ''odontodes'' on this ray. The male has a slightly broader head than the female, best observed from above.
General Remarks	The original L number was issued to what was thought to be a uniquely marked specimen of H. zebra.
Habitat Information
Distribution	Rio Xingu Amazon, Lower Amazon, Xingu (click on these areas to find other species found there) Log in to view data on a map.
pH	6.0 - 7.5
Temperature	26.0-30.0°C or 78.8-86°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters	The water chemistry of the Rio Xingú is well documented, but it is not that important as H. zebra seems to do well in just about any water provided it is high in oxygen content and warm. pH and DH do not seem to matter since the fish has been spawned in all types of water, even water that was hard and alkaline. To best replicate their natural habitat the water would be neutral to slightly acidic and soft.
Husbandry Information
Feeding	Unlike the popular opinion of many other loricariids, Hypancistrus species are more of carnivores than an algae eaters. This is backed up by a small and lightly toothed mouth that indicates it is a poor algae eater. Provide mainly meaty foods such as bloodworm and even brineshrimp. User data.
Furniture	The Rio Xingú is full of rocks of many sizes with some fine sand between them. The ideal Rio Xingu tank would be set up much differently than what we picture as a typical ''South American'' biotope. The tank should resemble a rocky riffle area in a stream with jumbles of rounded rocks and good water movement. Provide lots of small caves as the fish normally live and spawn in the caves and cracks of rocks. The rocks should be assembled in a haphazard fashion to create lots of crevices and shelves in which the fish can cram themselves. Sand is preferable, but large rounded gravel or bare-bottomed tanks are also accepted. Prefers dark rock to bogwood but I would provide some wood (many people claim that their zebras never touch the stuff) - better safe than sorry in my opinion.
Compatibility	Peaceful but choose tankmates wisely as this species does not compete well for food with particularly fast or aggressive tankmates.
Suggested Tankmates	An ideal (although expensive) addition to any community tank especially one stocked with active, but not boisterous, current loving fish. Can be kept with discus or loaches, but you are unlikely to get the best out of this fish in such company. Best kept in groups of 1 male and 2-3 females.
Breeding	Similar to other smaller Hypancistrus species.
Breeding Reports	There are 3 breeding reports, read them all here.
Further Information
Reference	Scraml, E. and F. Schaefer. 2004. Loricariidae: All L numbers. Aqualog. 271 pp. DATZ August 1994.
Registered Keepers	There are 61 registered keepers, view all "my cats" data.
Wishlists	Love this species? Click the heart to add it to your wish list. There are 15 wishes to keep this species, see who wants what.
Spotters	Spotted this species somewhere? Click the binoculars! There are 17 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
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Last Update	2022 Jan 19 09:28 (species record created: 2006 Apr 21 00:00)