Other Names:
Leopard Zebra Pleco, Panther Pleco, L174
Scientific Name:
Hypancistrus sp.
Range:
South America: Rio Xingú near Altamira, Pará, Brazil.
Maximum size:
6-8cm. (2,5-3")
Aquarium:
This smallest of all Hypancistrus-species prefers a dimly lit tank with a good number of hiding places, either created with plants, drift wood, rocks or artificial (pleco spawning) caves. To keep more than one specimen in the same tank, or together with other bottom dwelling fish, you need at least a 24x12" (60x30cm.) tank for a group of 3-4 specimen. This fish can be quite territorial, and when suitable hiding places are lacking, it can be aggressive towards other bottom dwellers. When kept as only catfish in an aquarium, a tank size of 20x12" (50x30cm.) is sufficient, but it is recommended to keep this species in a group in a species tank.
Although the Ocelot Pleco is a strong and adaptable species, it does best in warm, soft, slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0-7,0), oxygen-rich water and a lot of currents. A powerful filter system is recommended, as this fish produces a lot of waste.
Temperature:
pH:
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Diet:
A close look at the teeth of this pleco reveals that we are dealing with a carnivorous fish. The main diet should consist of meaty foods: frozen foods (tubifex, mosquito larvae, blood worms, artemia), dry foods (freeze-dried foods, flakes, granules), carnivore sinking pellets, and occasionally some small pieces of shrimp, mussels or fish fillet are usually readily accepted. Once acclimatized, it will often also accept accepts vegetable matter such as algae/spirulina disks and fresh vegetables (lettuce, zucchini/courgette, eggplant/aubergine, capsicum, carrot, peas, preboiled spinach).
This species usually does not eat algae (it lacks suitable teeth for that task), so it's not a suitable fish to keep your tank free of algae.
Temperament:
When cramped for space and without enough hiding places, hostilities can break out, resulting in - sometimes severe - injuries. Despite that, the Ocelot Pleco is best kept in a small group, as it will show more natural behaviour and is more comfortable in when accompanied by a number of other L174.
Because of its small maximum size, a relatively small tank is sufficient for a (breeding) group: although this species has spawned in smaller tanks, a tank width a surface area of 80x40cm. (32x16") would ideal to house a (breeding) group of 5-6 individuals: the division of sexes is ideal with one male for every 2-3 females. To get these fish to breed, you need a heavily oxygenated tank with a number of spawning caves, a powerhead that runs water along the cave entrances, and a temperature that is raised to 82-86 degrees Fahrenheit (28-30 degrees Celsius).
