[Ebook] Encyclopedia of Aquarium & Pond Fish – Directory of Freshwater Fish – Catfish – Loricariids

Directory of Freshwater Fish

Catfish

Loricariids

Bulldog Catfish L146a (Chaetostoma cf. thomsoni)

• ORIGINS: South America, occurring in streams in the mountains of Colombia.
• SIZE: 5 in (12.75 cm).
• DIET: Omnivorous.
• WATER: Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C); soft (50–100 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.5–7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Usually placid.

The Bulldog is called L146a under the L-numbering system (see p.21) for identifying loricariids that have yet to be confirmed as distinct species. Males have larger pelvic fins than females, possibly to stop sperm from washing away during spawning before fertilization occurs. The female lays about 80 eggs in the open, often on a vertical surface, and the male guards them until they hatch. Regular partial water changes are vital during the rearing period.

Leopard Pleco L083 (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps)

• ORIGINS: South America, found in the Amazon in parts of both Peru and Brazil.
• SIZE: 18 in (45 cm).
• DIET: Omnivorous.
• WATER: Temperature 73–81°F (23–27°C); soft (50–100 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.5–7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Peaceful and social.

The large black spots that characterize this catfish extend over the fins and body. Sexing is possible in mature individuals, because males have a more prominent genital papilla. Breeding in the typical aquarium is unlikely, because these fish normally burrow into the riverbank, where they create a nesting chamber for their eggs. The species is bred commercially, however, and a pink-eyed albino form, showing slight traces of the spotted patterning, is sometimes available.

Scarlet Acanthicus L025 (Pseudacanthicus pirarara)

• ORIGINS: South America, although its precise distribution is presently unclear.
• SIZE: 18 in (45 cm).
• DIET: Mainly meat-based foods.
• WATER: Temperature 73–79°F (23–26°C); soft (50–100 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.5–7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Very territorial.

These attractive, spotted plecos grow to a large size, with individuals displaying varying amounts of scarlet on their fins. Mature males are more slender-bodied than adult females. These fish can be aggressive and will defend their territory, becoming most active after dark. Although they prefer foods such as chopped shrimp and mussels, Scarlet Acanthicus are scavengers rather than active hunters, so they will take vegetable matter as well.

Golden Nugget Pleco L018 (Baryancistrus xanthellus)

• ORIGINS: South America, although its precise distribution is presently unclear.
• SIZE: 14 in (35 cm).
• DIET: Thawed foods and vegetables.
• WATER: Temperature 77–86°F (25–30°C); soft (50–100 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Territorially aggressive.

Yellow spots on the body and yellow tips to the dorsal and caudal fins identify the Golden Nugget Pleco. Juveniles cannot be sexed, but adult females can be differentiated from males by their narrower, more rounded foreheads. When these fish are in breeding condition, they display by digging in the substrate. Spawning occurs in caves, and an airstone placed nearby will ensure that there is both gentle water movement and sufficient oxygen for the brood. The fry grow slowly, measuring less than 2 in (5 cm) after six months. Brine shrimp is a suitable first food for the young. Adults eat a variety of foods, including thawed bloodworm and shrimp, and will even gnaw on slices of cucumber or zucchini.

Pleco Hypostomus (Hypostomus plecostomus)

• ORIGINS: South America, widely distributed in northern parts; also occurs on Trinidad.
• SIZE: 12 in (30 cm).
• DIET: Mainly vegetarian.
• WATER: Temperature 68–86°F (20–30°C); soft (50–100 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively peaceful.

The Pleco Hypostomus’ mottled patterning varies throughout its range, making accurate identification difficult. Mature males have thicker pectoral fins, which turn reddish-pink in the spawning period. These fish tend not to occur in fast-flowing water, but they still need good filtration in their tank. In the wild, eggs are usually laid in a riverbank cavity below the water line, rarely in underwater caves.

Orange-Tipped Pleco L076 (Peckoltia species)

• ORIGINS: South America, although its precise distribution is unclear.
• SIZE: 6 in (15 cm).
• DIET: Mainly meat-based foods.
• WATER: Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C); soft (50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively peaceful.

The characteristic orange tips on the rear of the fins distinguish these Plecos from similar species. The other parts of the fins are a darker, olive-brown shade, and the body is slightly silvery-gray with dark markings. Orange-Tipped Plecos can be sexed by the rays on the pectoral fins; in males, they have a serrated edge with toothlike projections known as odontodes, while in females, the rays are smooth-edged. The female’s body is also wider at this point than the male’s. Pairs will spawn in caves and can be rather territorial during the breeding period. To reduce tensions, divide their aquarium into discrete sections, and include rockwork and bogwood in the tank. These plecos will not usually damage aquatic plants, and they generally ignore any algae growing in the aquarium. Orange-Tipped Plecos are most active toward dusk. They prefer to feed on items such as chopped shrimp. It is important not to allow the nitrate level in the tank to build up, so make regular partial water changes to keep this under control.

Pretty Peckoltia L103 (Dekeyseria pulchra)

• ORIGINS: South America, occurring in the Rio Negro, close to Moura, Brazil.
• SIZE: 2 1⁄4 in (6 cm).
• DIET: Mainly plant matter, including algae.
• WATER: Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C); hard (100–150 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Peaceful.

Broad, wavy lines over the body and fins typify the Pretty Peckoltia, which is valued for its small size and docile nature. It is vital to establish favorable environmental conditions and profuse algal growth in the tank before acquiring these fish, because plant matter forms the bulk of their diet. An aquarium for Pretty Peckoltias should include a range of hiding places, such as partially buried flowerpots. More delicate plants may be eaten.

Butterfly Peckoltia L052 (Dekeyseria species)

• ORIGINS: South America, occurring in parts of the Orinoco basin.
• SIZE: 5 in (12.5 cm).
• DIET: Omnivorous.
• WATER: Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C); soft (50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Territorial.

The coloration of these catfish, which can vary widely, is partly dependent on their background. Their patterning of alternating light and dark patches (seen in the example below) disappears rapidly if the fish are transferred to a tank with a dark substrate and may also be affected by the lighting. Pairs spawn in the relative safety of a cave, with the female laying up to 120 eggs. These may take 10 days to hatch, by which time the fry have used up virtually all of their yolk sacs. The young of this species can be reared on brine shrimp.

UNIQUE EYE-LOBE

The eye structure of loricariids is unique among vertebrates. On close examination, a protruding lobe can be seen on the iris. This lobe, which is often colorful, forms the outer ring of the eye. Loricariid catfish lack the pupillary reflex of other vertebrates, in which the size of the pupil adjusts in response to changes in the lighting conditions. Instead, they use their eye-lobe to regulate the amount of light entering the eye. In well-lit surroundings, the lobe enlarges to cover more of the pupil, while in dim light it recedes to allow in as much light as possible.

Tiger Clown Pleco L066 (Hypancistrus species)

• ORIGINS: South America, where it is found in Brazil’s Rio Xingu.
• SIZE: 8 in (20 cm).
• DIET: Omnivorous.
• WATER: Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C); soft (50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Territorial when mature.

A delicate patterning of white stripes on a black background distinguishes the Tiger Clown Pleco. These markings are highly variable, allowing individuals to be recognized easily. Females lack the spines on the pectoral and dorsal fins and have a broader body shape. Tiger Clown Plecos are most active after dark and eat a wide variety of foods. Shelled peas, either fresh or thawed, are a valuable source of vegetable matter, as are cucumber slices.

Big-Fin Bristlenose L144a (Ancistrus dolichopterus)

• ORIGINS: South America, recorded in Brazil’s Rio Negro basin.
• SIZE: 4 in (10 cm).
• DIET: Omnivorous.
• WATER: Temperature 73–77°F (23–25°C); hard (100–150 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.5).
• TEMPERAMENT: Actively territorial.

Sexing is straightforward in this species—only males develop the bristlelike projections on the head. In both sexes, the brown body carries a pattern of lighter spots. Small live foods help to trigger spawning behavior. The yellowish eggs are laid in a cave and watched over by the female; she often fans water over them with her fins. They hatch about five days later, and the fry are free-swimming within a week. They can then take powdered flake.

Zebra Pleco L106 (Hypancistrus zebra)

• ORIGINS: South America, where it is confined to the Rio Xingu in Brazil.
• SIZE: 3 1⁄4 in (8 cm).
• DIET: Relatively carnivorous.
• WATER: Temperature 79–86°F (26–30°C); soft (50–100 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Placid.

The straight black bands across its body separate this catfish from the wavy-lined form, known as L098. Males have wider heads than females, when seen from above, and the first ray of the pectoral fin is broader. Include sand, rocks, and bogwood in the tank to mimic this pleco’s natural habitat. The water must be well filtered and well oxygenated to encourage spawning, which occurs in a cave. The eggs are laid in batches and hatch in about a week.

Gold-Spotted Pleco L014 (Scobinancistrus aureatus)

• ORIGINS: South America, where it appears to occur only in Brazil’s Rio Xingu.
• SIZE: 12 in (30 cm).
• DIET: Catfish pellets and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–84°F (25–29°C); soft (50–100 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Territorial when mature.

The coloration of burnished gold on the fins and contrasting yellower spots on the body is much brighter in young Gold-Spotted Plecos than in adults. Males have a broader first ray on the pectoral fin and a slightly bristly appearance on their heads. At present, no breeding records exist for these catfish, which were only officially described in 1994. They require well-filtered, moving water in their tank, with rocks and a sandy base to mimic their natural habitat. Gold-Spotted Plecos are not particularly difficult to keep, despite their large size, but they do become more aggressive as they grow larger. They feed near the substrate and can be persuaded to take catfish pellets and live foods. If there are retreats in the tank, it is important that uneaten food does not accumulate in them, since it will decrease the water quality and harm the fish.

RASPING SUCKERMOUTHS

Loricariids are sometimes called suckermouth catfish because of their powerful mouthparts, which allow them to anchor onto rockwork and submerged wood even when faced with a strong current. Many species also appear to need bogwood, which they eat, rasping off fragments with their teeth. If kept without bogwood, these catfish are unlikely to thrive. Aside from keeping their teeth in check, the bogwood may also aid the digestive process, perhaps by providing additional nutrients for the beneficial microbes in the fish’s digestive tract, which help to break down plant matter.

Black Hi-Fin Pleco L108 (Squaliforma emarginata)

• ORIGINS: South America, being common throughout much of the Amazon region.
• SIZE: 7 in (18 cm).
• DIET: Mainly vegetarian.
• WATER: Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C); soft (50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Territorial when mature.

The difficulty in naming plecos with certainty, even with the L-number system, is well illustrated by the Black Hi-Fin. Although it is often described as L108, this fish is assigned a variety of other L-numbers in different parts of its range. Exact coloration may vary, but all forms display a dense pattern of black spots on a darkish background. More than 600 loricariids are now known, making it a large and diverse family, and others still await discovery.

Longtail Pleco L131 (Squaliforma species)

• ORIGINS: South America, being common throughout much of the Amazon region.
• SIZE: 7 in (18 cm).
• DIET: Mainly vegetarian.
• WATER: Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C); soft (50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Territorial when mature.

The elongated body of this fish, which narrows toward the caudal fin, displays a dense pattern of dark spots. Although the Longtail Pleco has been assigned the number L131, it is actually regarded as effectively being the same fish as L108 (see top right), but from a different area within their overall range. It has also been suggested that the loricariids assigned numbers L11, L035, L116, L153, L166, and L195 are, aside from minor variations in coloration and patterning, examples of this same species that have been described differently.

Royal Panaque L191 (Panaque nigrolineatus)

• ORIGINS: South America, ranging from Colombia and Venezuela through central parts of the Amazon basin.
• SIZE: 13 1⁄2 in (34 cm).
• DIET: Mainly vegetable matter.
• WATER: Temperature 72–86°F (22–30°C); soft (50–100 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Territorial.

The greenish background color of these catfish is marked with black lines, which appear straight on the face but are often more wavy elsewhere on the body. In common with other plecos, these fish need bogwood in their tank, on which they can rasp. Their diet can include shelled peas, but try experimenting with a range of plant foods, since these fish can be picky eaters.

Peppermint Pleco L030 (Spectracanthicus punctatissimus)

• ORIGINS: South America, in the lower Rio Tocantins and the Rio Xingu in Para state, Brazil.
• SIZE: 6 in (15 cm).
• DIET: Mainly vegetarian.
• WATER: Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C); soft (50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Territorial when mature

A black background decorated with white spots helps to identify this particular loricariid. It now seems that the Peppermint Pleco ascribed the number L030 is merely the juvenile form of the variety recognized as L031, which has a finer spotted pattern. L030 may appear more common simply because juveniles are caught more often than adults. Peppermint Plecos need to be kept in well-oxygenated water with a low nitrate reading.