L287 - Ocelot catfish - Hypancistrus sp. DNZ 4-5cm

The Ocelot Loricarius or Large Ocelot Loricarius Hypancistrus sp. L 287 / L 399 / L 400 comes from Brazil in South America. It was actually a single animal that came as a co-import from the Rio do Para, so the catfishes are listed under different L-numbers and are sometimes called L399 or L400. Since this catfish is not on the positive list of Brazil, these are offspring, not imports.

The coloration of the scaleless catfish consists of dark worm lines on a light background, the fins are light-dark striped. The Great Ocelot Catfish only grows to a total length of about 14 cm. The sex differentiation is relatively simple. Males have more pronounced odontodes, a broader head, and a narrower waist than females.

The aquarium for Ocelot Hare Catfish should have roots and rocks, and can be landscaped with more hard-leaved robust plants. Anubias, water ferns, mosses and bucephalandra, for example, work well. These tend not to be gnawed on. The Great Ocelot Loricariid Hypancistrus sp. L 287 likes to stay under roots or rocks and will also readily accept catfish burrows. The roots should be made of real wood, as these loricariids like to scrape them off and also need the wood fibers for a well functioning digestion. Good filtration and some current as well as oxygen rich, rather soft to medium hard water should also be present. In nature, the catfish live in clear water. The aquarium temperature may be about 25-29 °C. The Great Ocelot Loricariid likes to live in groups of at least 5-10 animals. It is a relatively undemanding aquarium fish that gives its keepers a lot of pleasure in the aquarium. In an aquarium with many hiding places from 100 cm a group of Ocelot Harnischwelse feels very well.

There are no problems with other aquarium fish. The Great Ocelot Catfish is a very peaceful contemporary and fits perfectly into a South America community tank. Also shrimps, snails, peaceful dwarf crayfish and other invertebrates are left completely alone. Socialization with larger crayfish and crabs is not recommended, as the animals inhabit the same aquarium zones and there may well be disputes over the most beautiful cave or the best hiding place.

The breeding of Hypancistrus sp. L 287 is possible and is also realized in the hobby. To get the fish in an optimal spawning mood, the rainy season is simulated by soft water and multiple large water changes, and the temperature is raised to about 27-20 °C. This Hypancistrus sp. spawns in caves and the males take over the brood care.

Hypancistrus sp. L 287, like most L catfish, belong to the omnivorous or omnivorous species. Since the L 287 primarily stays on the bottom, you will do well with a sinking food specifically for catfish. Hypancistrus sp. also like live foods that sink to the bottom, such as shiner worms and tubifex, or frozen foods. Soft vegetables are an excellent addition.
 

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.