L399 - Belo Monte Loricarius Hypancistrus sp. DNZ 5-7cm

The Belo Monte Loricariid Hypancistrus sp. L 399 comes from a southern clearwater tributary of the Rio Xingu in South America. The L 399 is not on the positive list of IBAMA. The  export of these loricariids from Brazil is therefore prohibited. The Belo Monte loricariids in our online store are German offspring (DNZ) . The L 399 is a beautifully colored creamy white fish with dark worm lines that form a really varied, great pattern. In places the dark lines even resolve into a fun dot pattern. The males have a much more pronounced buildup of odontodes (bristles) on the front rays of the pectoral fins.

Aquariums in which this rather nocturnal, still undetermined Hypancistrus species is to swim should not have too strong lighting, the fish rather like it somewhat darkened. Stones and roots provide a good structure, which contributes very much to the well-being of the Belo Monte catfish. Plants should only be used to a limited extent, as the young L 399 help themselves to soft-leaved specimens. Adult Hypancistrus sp., on the other hand, will hardly ever eat the aquarium vegetation. Species with tough or bitter tasting foliage such as Anubias, Javafarn and Cryptocoryne are more likely to be left alone than succulent stem plants.

Under optimal conditions,breeding the beautiful Belo Monte Loricariid is not a problem . For stimulation, the water should be set soft (below 400 µS), the temperature should be around 30 °C, and frequent water changes should be performed. An increase in current further promotes spawning. Hypancistrus are cave breeders and spawn accordingly in caves. The clutch and the hatched fry are guarded by the male. After about 12-14 days the yolk sac of the young catfish is used up and the young leave the cave. They are fed in the same way as the adults.

The care of this Hypancistrus species should be done in soft to medium hard water. A water temperature of about 26-30 °C is ideal. The Belo Monte Loricarius grows with 13 cm a bit bigger than other aquarium catfishes and therefore needs more space. For a small group, it is better to provide a larger aquarium with a capacity of 200 liters or more.

Since loricariid catfish are very peaceful aquarium companions, they can besocialized very well . Shrimps, snails, smaller schooling fish and also other catfishes fit very well in an aquarium with Belo Monte loricariid catfishes as additional stock. Of course they are the perfect stock for a South America biotope.

Hypancistrus belong to the omnivores. Since Belo Monte loricarius live bottom-oriented, a suitable, fast sinking food should be chosen. In addition to catfish sticks and cookies for loricariid catfish, the fish also take live food or frozen food very readily.

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 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.