Pleco catfish l201 - Hypancistrus contradens

Scientific name: Hypancistrus contradens

Common name: Pleco catfish l201

Family: Loricariidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 11 - 14 cm (4.33 - 5.51 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 7 - 15°N (125 - 267.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 25 - 28 °C (77 - 82.4°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

Origin

The Pleco Catfish L201 hails from South America, specifically found in the waterways of Venezuela.

General Care

Like many pleco species, these fish thrive in aquariums with some water movement. A gentle current helps keep them healthy and content. You can create this flow by using small powerheads or by positioning the outlet pipes of your filters to direct the water effectively.

It's important to provide plenty of hiding spots in the tank. Items like driftwood, bogwood, or even terracotta pots turned on their sides work well. Plecos are sensitive to poor water conditions, so make sure to do large water changes weekly and maintain high oxygen levels. Pointing powerheads toward the surface can boost oxygen by improving gas exchange.

These plecos should only be kept with peaceful tank mates. They do not handle aggression well, and stress from hiding can lead to health problems.

Food and Feeding

The Pleco Catfish L201 is primarily a carnivore. They enjoy meaty foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, but they will also eat quality flakes or wafers. While meaty foods should make up most of their diet, they also benefit from some vegetable matter and spirulina flakes for balanced nutrition.

Sexing

Male Pleco Catfish L201s develop teeth-like growths on their pectoral fins, especially noticeable during spawning season. An easy way to tell males from females is by looking at them from above - the female’s body is stockier and may have less vibrant coloration compared to the male.

Breeding

Hypancistrus contradens are cave spawners, so adding pipes or artificial caves to the breeding tank can help. The male takes care of the eggs once laid, and they typically hatch in about 14 days. After the fry are released, they can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

Hypancistrus contradens have an expected lifespan of around 10 years.

Short Description

Like other catfish, Pleco Catfish L201 need plenty of hiding spots since they are more active in the evening than during the day. As they mature, they can become territorial with their own kind. To avoid crossbreeding in the aquarium, it’s best to keep them with only their own species and not mix them with other pleco varieties.

Pictures

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