Peruvian panther pleco - Hypancistrus sp. L174

Scientific name: Hypancistrus sp. L174

Common name: Peruvian panther pleco

Family: Loricariidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 7 - 9 cm (2.76 - 3.54 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness: 2 - 12°N (35.71 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 26 - 30 °C (78.8 - 86°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful to females

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

General Information

Hypancistrus sp. L174—often traded as the “Peruvian Panther/Ocelot” pleco—is in fact a Brazilian species from the Rio Xingu (Pará). In 2025 it was formally described as Hypancistrus yudja. This is a small, streaked/spotted Hypancistrus reaching about 7–9 cm SL, peaceful toward other species but territorial toward conspecific males. It requires warm, highly oxygenated, fast-flowing conditions with abundant hiding places. (The trade name “Peruvian” is misleading; the origin is the Xingu, Brazil.)

Food & Feeding

Hypancistrus are primarily carnivorous/omnivorous loricariid catfish. Use high-quality sinking pellets formulated for carnivorous loricariids as the staple and rotate frozen/live foods (Artemia, krill, mysis, finely chopped shrimp). Also include a small amount of spirulina or algae tablets. Feed in small portions under subdued lighting; persistent leftovers will degrade water quality.

Sexing

Males develop more pronounced odontodes (“bristles”) along the flanks and on the pectoral fins, have a broader head, and often show a more defined pattern; females are fuller-bodied. Sexing juveniles offered for sale is generally unreliable.

Breeding

Cave spawner with paternal care. Provide multiple narrow caves/tubes (ceramic, slate), strong current, and high oxygenation. The female lays small clutches (~10–20 eggs); the male fans and guards them. At 28–30 °C the eggs typically hatch in 4–7 days; fry with yolk sacs remain in the cave for about a week. Once free-swimming, start with micro-foods and freshly hatched brine shrimp. Breeding successes in the hobby are documented but require excellent stability, oxygen, and filtration.

Lifespan

Typically 10–15 years in stable, clean systems with warm, fast-flowing water.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

Tank size: a group of 1 ♂ 2–3 ♀ or a small harem from 75–90 cm length (≥120 L); add extra hides and space for multiple males.
Temperature: 26–30 °C (short-term up to ~32 °C with excellent aeration).
pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral; stability is key).
Hardness: prefers soft to medium water (~2–12 °dH).
Environment: sand/smooth fine gravel, plenty of caves, boulders and wood; strong flow and high oxygenation (powerhead, spray bar). Sensitive to elevated NO₃ and low O₂.
Maintenance: weekly 30–40 % water changes and regular filter service; avoid abrupt parameter swings.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Peaceful toward other species; suitable companions include calm mid-/upper-water tetras and rasboras, small rainbowfish, and Corydoras. Between males of the same species expect territorial squabbles—providing more caves than individuals helps.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Nocturnal/crepuscular bottom dweller; hides by day, then after lights-out actively patrols rock surfaces and cave entrances.

Short Description

L174 is a small, patterned Hypancistrus from the fast-flowing Rio Xingu (Brazil). Keep it in warm, highly oxygenated water with strong current and abundant caves; feed a predominantly meaty diet. In trade it appears as “Panther/Ocelot/Leopard Zebra Pleco”; it is not a Peruvian species and is not the Zebra Pleco L046.