Lyre Tail Pleco - Acanthicus hystrix
Scientific name: Acanthicus hystrix
Common name: Lyre Tail Pleco
Family: Loricariidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 45 - 55 cm (17.72 - 21.65 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.5
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 16°N (71.43 - 285.71ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 21 - 27 °C (69.8 - 80.6°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South America
Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels
Food and feeding
Although these fish are classed as omnivores, most of their diet will need to contain vegetable matter. They will require algae wafers, spinach, and peas etc. to keep them healthy. Lyre Tail Pleco’s should also be offered meaty foods like mysis and blood worms.
Origin
South America; Lyre Tail Pleco’s are to be found in the Amazonian River Basins
Sexing
Males tend to have more spines on their fins than the females.
Breeding
As of yet there are no reported cases of this fish breeding in the aquarium.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Lyre Tail Pleco’s is 5-8 years.
Short description
Adult specimens of these fish can grow up to 70cm in length. They require a very large tank to keep them happy with lots of hiding places. Filtration need to be very high as they do produce a lot of waste, regular water changes are also a must. They are aggressive to other species of catfish; this has resulted in death of one of the fish in the past.