L340 - Mega Clown - Hypancistrus spec - 5-6cm

The calm and very compatible Mega Clown Loricarius L340 is an undefined species of the genus Hypancistrus and is therefore called Hypancistrus sp. It is also called LDA 19 and is now and then also under the names Red Zebra Catfish or Clown Pleco in the aquaristics on the way.

The Mega Clown Catfish grows to a length of 8-10 cm and has a light to orange base color with black or dark brown worm lines or stripes that create a great and extremely variable pattern. They extend over the entire body and also over the fins. The males of the Mega Clown Loricarius grow slightly larger than the females. The anterior margin of their pectoral fins is noticeably more covered with odontodes.

This handsome, quiet, and fairly robust loricariid catfish comes from Colombia, where it can be found in the Rio Tomo.

The L340 can be kept as a pair already in aquariums from 60 cm edge length. The L340 can be kept in soft to hard water with a total hardness up to 20 and a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Humic substances in the aquarium water are important for the well-being of this Hypancistrus. The aquarium temperature should ideally be 26 to 30 °C. Good water quality and high oxygen levels in the aquarium are mandatory, so the filter should be sufficiently powerful for keeping this pretty aquarium catfish.

Since the Mega Clown Catfish is quite shy, the aquarium should in any case not be too brightly lit and have a ceiling of Floating plants as well as sufficiently many hiding places. A substrate of sand or fine round gravel is advantageous for keeping the L340. The aquarium can be planted, whereby it can happen that particularly tasty plants such as Echinodorus Wooden roots contribute to the well-being of the catfish.

The breeding of Hypancistrus sp. L340 has been successful in the aquarium several times. Overpopulation is not to be feared, because usually less than 10 animals come up per litter. Hypancistrus sp. L340 is a cave breeder, tubes open on one side have proven successful. The male takes care of the brood until the larvae swim free. Breeding in a community aquarium with peaceful by-fish and without predators is just as possible as a targeted breeding approach in the species tank.

Large water changes of about 80% several times a week, a slight drop in temperature and lowering of the conductance as well as a stronger current can stimulate the catfish to breed. Soft water with as little carbonate hardness as possible and an increase in the Humic substances in the water prevent spawning fungus. The young animals eat food tablets, vegetables or also frozen food from the beginning.

Hypancistrus sp. L340 is as an omnivorous catfish an uncomplicated omnivore and takes besides catfish sticks also vegetables, flake food, granulated food and food tablets for omnivorous aquarium fish. Frozen food now and then is also eaten with pleasure. Otherwise, the catfish likes to scrape algae coatings and biofilms from the surfaces and the panes in the aquarium with its underslung suction mouth. Also the coatings on wood roots are gladly scraped off, they supply thereby important fiber materials for the digestion.

The Mega Clown Catfish L340 can be socialized with shrimps as well as with other peaceful aquarium inhabitants. It fits perfectly into an aquarium with South American fish such as tetras. Crayfish are not suitable aquarium partners.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfish Feed 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 complexes of active ingredients that provide sucker catfish with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting 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.

Picture: Enrico Richter - exclusively for Garnelio