Peruvian panther pleco - Hypancistrus sp. L174

Scientific name: Hypancistrus sp. L174

Common name: Peruvian panther pleco

Family: Loricariidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 9 cm (3.15 - 3.54 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 18°N (178.57 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 25 - 30 °C (77 - 86°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Peruvian panther pleco is omnivorous but does prefer meaty foods to supplement the diet. Feed with quality flake or catfish pellets and add blood worms or brine shrimp to the diet.

Origin

South America; Peruvian panther pleco is found in the Rio Xingu, Brazil.

Sexing

Difficult to sex, it is believed that the male has a more extended pectoral fin.

Breeding

There are not many reported cases of aquarium breeding but it is thought to be a cave spawner with the male protecting the off spring.

Lifespan

The expected lifespan for Hypancistrus sp. L174 is 15 years.

Short description

Hypancistrus sp. L174 is a fairly easy species to look after but high water quality must be maintained. They are a fairly shy species and require caves, hiding places with dim lighting over the aquarium. The name given to this fish is a bit confusing due to it’s origins but it is also sometimes called a false zebra plec.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk. One picture was provided by Joe.