Page 132 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

130 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

Hypancistrus species Ancistrus dolichopterus Hypancistrus zebra
Tiger Clown Pleco L066 Big-Fin Bristlenose L144a Zebra Pleco L106

ORIGINS South America, where it is found in Brazil’s ORIGINS South America, recorded in Brazil’s Rio ORIGINS South America, where it is confined to the Rio
Rio Xingu. Negro basin. Xingu in Brazil.
SIZE 8 in (20 cm). SIZE 4 in (10 cm). SIZE 3 ⁄4 in (8 cm).
1
DIET Omnivorous. DIET Omnivorous. DIET Relatively carnivorous.
WATER Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C); soft WATER Temperature 73–77°F (23–25°C); hard WATER Temperature 79–86°F (26–30°C); soft
(50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0). (100–150 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.5). (50–100 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
TEMPERAMENT Territorial when mature. TEMPERAMENT Actively territorial. TEMPERAMENT Placid.
Sexing is straightforward in this species—only Circular white
males develop the bristlelike projections on the band behind
head. In both sexes, the brown body carries a the head
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 Zebralike patterning
take powdered flake.
A delicate patterning of white stripes on a black The straight black bands across its body separate
background distinguishes the Tiger Clown Pleco. this catfish from the wavy-lined form, known as
These markings are highly variable, allowing Male’s “bristles” L098. Males have wider heads than females, when
individuals to be recognized easily. Females lack the seen from above, and the first ray of the pectoral
spines on the pectoral and dorsal fins and have a fin is broader. Include sand, rocks, and bogwood in
broader body shape. Tiger Clown Plecos are most the tank to mimic this pleco’s natural habitat. The
active after dark and eat a wide variety of foods. water must be well filtered and well oxygenated
Shelled peas, either fresh or thawed, are a valuable to encourage spawning, which occurs in a cave. The
source of vegetable matter, as are cucumber slices. eggs are laid in batches and hatch in about a week.

Scobinancistrus aureatus
Gold-Spotted Pleco L014

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.

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