Home

Descriptions

General

Links

This site

Ancistrus hoplogenys, Günther, 1864

Origin:Tributaries to the Amazon river.

Etymology: Unk

Synonyms: Chaetostomus hoplogenys, Chaetostomus leucostictus, Chaetostomus alga, Chaetostomus malacops, Chaetostomus tectirostris, Ancistrus leucostictus, Xenocara hoplogenys.

First European import: Unknown

Description: See picture, this is the "WhiteSeam" variety.

Care: Very peaceful fish, that is well suited for the community tank. It does require well oxygenated water, so it is best kept at lower temperatures of 22-24 degrees, with well filtered(possibly aerated) water. The tank should be well planted, with some holes for Ancistrus hoplogenys to hide in during the day. The fish are mostly active during the evening and the night, whic is a pity, because they often won't be visible. Like all Ancistrus species, it is a very good algae eter, and doesn't eat the plants itself.

Temperature:22-26 degrees.

Feeding:Algae, algaewafers, cucumber, peas.

Size:Up to 8 cm

pH: 5.5-7.5, Hardness 2-20 dGH.

Breeding: Similar to other Ancistrus species. Best done in a species tank, or by removing the eggs from a community tank. Ancistrus hoplogenys will spawn in (artificial) holes or under driftwood. The male will guard the eggs, until the fry are free swimming(around 10 days). The fry should be fed large amounts of algae, but will also eat boiled salat or similar alternatives.

Sexual dimorphism: Males with bristles, and larger.

Prices: Between 10-15€

Additional: Other varieties show a yellow, and an orange seam.

Picture references: Picture 1: E. Naus

References:Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1982): Aquarien Atlas I. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany.(click on the link to buy this book)