Hypancistrus sp. (L333)

Golden king tiger.

Loricariidae

Rio Xingu, Brazil.

Loricariidae: from the Latin lorica (= corselet, alluring to the armoured thoracic area of the fish); Hypancistrus: from the Greek hypo (= less than) + ancistrus (from the Greek angistron meaning hook). The genus Hypancistrus was named by comparison to the genus Ancistrus; the name allured to the fact that individuals in the genus Hypancistrus they have less teeth than those in the genus Ancistrus.  

 15-17 cm TL.

"Hypancistrus is distinguished from all other genera of the tribe Ancistrini by the combination of the following characters: (1) snout margin completely covered with dermal ossifications; (2) presence of an anal and an adipose fin; (3) absence of filiform teeth; premaxillary teeth (8-16 in number) considerably smaller than mandibullary teeth (4-7); (4) possession of six branched dorsal fin rays, the last one split to its base; (5) a depressed body; (6) absence of a membraneous extension posterior to the last dorsal fin ray, reaching to adipose fin spine; (7) no very wide head; (8) no extremely long evertible interopercular odontodes." (see Isaac J. H. Insbrucker and Han Nijssen, Hypancistrus Zebra.) This fish has a pattern of thick black stripes interlocking with  white - golden stripes. As it grows older the body colouration changes to a drab brown with white or gold thin lines.The fish is quite stubby.

Adult males have interopercular odontes and a thick first pectoral fin ray which, when in breeding condition, is adorned with spine-like ''odontodes''; If the underbelly is examined, males show a clear V shape in the genital area while females a clear U shape.

Rio Xingu, Brazil.

The fish are reported to prefer slightly acidic and soft water, which is simulating the conditions in their natural habitat. This is usually ranging from 6 - 7,5. We have kept the fish successfully in moderately hard alkaline water, in which we have observed better growth. My wild caught colony lives and breeds in neutral, moderately hard water.

26° C - 31° C.   

Avoid intense lightning. Good filtration and excellent oxygenation is a must. As opposed to popular opinion, the fish do extremely well in medium hard water. 

L333s are mainly carnivores. They have a clear preference for meaty foods and will readily eat prepared foods.  A good staple diet, including some vegetable matter occasionally, enriched with frozen food is highly recommended.

I have kept this fish for 3 years with large and aggressive Loricariids (such as L25s, L24s, L160s etc) and they have done extremely well. Similarly I have kept this fish with other Hypancistrus and Leporacanthicus and there has never been an incident. They are quite peaceful if they have their own space and are excellent with small to medium size fish living in the middle or top of the water column. I have occasionally put young Madagascan cichlids (Paratilapia sp. Andapa) to grow out in the tank of the L333s. The Andapas live near the substrate and would regularly attempt to visit the caves of the L333s. The L333s stood their ground firmly and the two groups co-existed quite happily. Of my colony there is only one female who will attack anything that moves if she gets annoyed (she has attacked George once when he was trying to fix the heater in the tank). 

Peaceful, current loving medium size fish is the obvious choice. If you are planning to breed the L333s consider the size of the tank mates. Small dither fish have a tendency to get in the caves - and in the way. If you are thinking of larger fish, make sure they won't hurt the wigglers once they are out of the caves.

Rocks, slate and wood are all well accepted. The fish are not bothered about plants, though I found that they do enjoy the shade these provide. Young fish will readily come out during lights on - L333s do not share the love of privacy other Hypancistrus have. Make sure there are plenty of caves, cracks and crevices for the adults and the youngsters to hide in. Avoid sharp edges (you can sand the rocks down, if need be) so that the fish won't get hurt.

A word of caution: do not tie plants onto pieces of wood or rock with string or fishing line in the tank. Your fish are more likely than not to be caught in the line and hurt themselves, sometimes seriously. 

I keep a colony of 12 adults in a 250 litres tank. As with all bottom dwellers it is worth remembering that these fish need floor space. It makes absolutely no sense to put them in a tank the total water volume of which is due to height rather than width and length. Make sure there is enough space between the caves of the males so as to avoid territorial disputes (wood or rock always come in handy to separate different territories).

The fish can be territorial with conspecifics but will do well provided they all have suitable hiding places. They are not a difficult fish to keep and on the main they are quite peaceful and easy going.  For hobbyists who prefer to see their fish out in the open, L333s are a good choice.

Cave spawners. For a breeding report see Keeping and Breeding Hypancistrus sp. L333.