Data sheet L52 Catfish
German name:
L52 Catfish, Butterfly Pleco
Scientific name:
Zonancistrus sp.
Origin:
South America, Rio Atabapo, upper Orinoco drainage
Size:
Body length 18 cm
Aquarium
Length:
Length from 100 cm width
Contents:
200 liters
water values
Temperature:
25°C – 29°C
pH:
5.5 – 6.5
GH:
0° – 10° dH
Behave
Area:
lower area
Lining:
omnivoredry fodder, algae, green fodder, vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, peppers), frozen fodder, sinking live fodder, granules
Behave:
territorial in old age becoming, territorial
Number:
small groups (4 animals)pair keeping or single keeping possible
Difficulty level:
Beginner L52 Zonancistrus sp. – Atabapo butterfly loricariid 6-10cm – Image 1 | © Fishtopia GmbH
The animals belong to the family of armored catfish (Loricariidae), in the genus Zonancistrus. Until 2018, L52 and L168 were considered two different species. On redescription both were described as one species, Dekeyseria picta. These are two different variants of a species found in different locations. The two variants differ from each other in their colouration, with L52 the pattern is less contrasting than with L168.
Other designations are: Atabapo butterfly pleco, Peckoltia pulchra, Butterfly Pleco, Dekeyseria picta, banded dwarf pleco, Flounder Pleco, Dekeyseria sp. “L 52”, Zonancistrus brachyurus (L 168) and Zonancistrus pictus. The trade still knows Peckoltia pulcher or Peckoltia sp. ‘butterfly’.
Look
The animals have one strikingly flat body and a distinctive pattern. On the almost black body are yellowish horizontal stripes. The pattern is most contrasting in juvenile fish. Adult animals show the pattern as a startled drawing when they are afraid or stressed. Freshly bought specimens are beautifully striped, once they have settled in, they are no longer so colourful. The pattern comes into its own at a pH of around 6. The stripes shine brightest when males are fighting and during the mating season. If the fish are relaxed, the pattern looks like a washed-out camouflage pattern.
Posture recommendation
The young animals are peaceful, but when they become sexually mature, that changes. They look for a territory and defend it against conspecifics. Alien fish are not bothered. At the same time, the animals begin to eagerly dig in the sand. If the catfish are to be kept in a group, the tank must be large enough and structured. A pelvic length of 30 cm should be added per animal. Sufficient caves, tubes, roots, stone slabs, narrow crevices and well-secured stone structures are imperative. Then each catfish can occupy a territory. The roots can be scraped off by the fish and thus meet their need for wood fibers.
Sand or fine gravel is suitable as ground cover.
In nature, animals inhabit black water areas, Filters made of peat increase your well-being in the pool. The water should be oxygen rich and have a strong current have.
gender differences
As with all loricariids, the males have a broader head, the females are broader on the belly. The males are significantly larger and have long odontodes at the base of the tail, on the first ray of the pectoral fin and behind the gills. Furthermore, their pelvic fins are extended.
breed
L52 has already been successfully bred several times. In order to put the animals in courtship mood, the pH value lowered become. Then the females form their spawning approach.
The fish are cave breeders. They prefer to lay eggs crevices or roots. Special catfish tubes are mostly ignored.
The female lays 30 to 40 yellowish, relatively large eggswhich she fastens to the rock face. The male is responsible for brood care. He guards the clutch and fans fresh water. The fertilized eggs turn a bright yellow. out of them hatch after about 8 to 9 days the young. They are 7 to 10 mm long and can dust lining to be fed.
socialization
The catfish can easily be socialized with other species. The animals stay mostly on the ground. Peaceful fish that stay in the middle and upper water range are ideal roommates. Shrimp and snails can also move into the tank. Crabs are not recommended, they prefer the same hiding places as the catfish. Other armored catfish should also not be in the tank. The animals could mate and create unwanted hybrids.
Roommates for a South American tank would be Cherry spotted tetra, neon tetra, red from the Rio.