L243 Banded Orinoco Sucker Catfish - Ancistomus wernekei 10-12cm

Ancistomus sp. L 243 is a loricariid catfish from the Venezuelan Rio Orinoco. The Banded Orinoco Sucker Catfish L 243 often appears in import shipments of L 202. Both species show an almost identical body coloration and also drawing pattern.

Aquariums, in which Ancistomus are maintained, should not be illuminated too brightly, should this be nevertheless the case for optical reasons, a good structuring with stones and roots contributes very much to the well-being of the catfishes. Here the catfish find retreat possibilities, and the furnishings serve as resting places in the aquarium. An edge length from 120 cm is a minimum for these catfish. Plants are only conditionally applicable, here one should set on firm and robust plants, e.g. Anubias, Cryptocoryne and Javafarn.

About the breeding of the beautiful loricariid is not yet known. Males have a broader head, a narrower waist and a more pointed genital papilla, partly the interopercularodontodes are strong resp.longer.

Ancistomus should be kept in soft to medium hard water. A water temperature of approx. 25-29 °C is ideal. The Banded Orinoco Sucker Catfish will grow bigger with 15-17cm. A group of 3-5 Ancistomus sp. L 243 should be offered a tank from 150 l. Single keeping is also possible here, accordingly smaller the aquarium can be planned.

Since loricariids are peaceful catfishes, they can besocialized very well . Shrimps, snails, smaller tetras and also other catfishes complement each other very well. Crayfish colonize the same habitat and are therefore a bit more critical.

Ancistomus are omnivores. Since they live bottom-oriented, the food should also be chosen so. Besides tablet food, the fish also like to take live food or frozen food. Feeding with vegetable food should be included.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfishfeed for all aufwuchs feeding sucking catfish in the aquarium is a balanced tablet food, which does not cloud the water and the fish like to eat. The catfish tablets also contain NatureHolic active ingredient complexes that provide sucking catfish with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration. As a snack, supplemental food or vacation food, we recommend the CatfishPlates.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.