L 333 Hypancistrus sp. 12-14cm

Scientific Name Hypancistrus sp. (L333)
Common Name L333
Pronunciation hype an siss truss
Etymology A contraction of the Greek hypo (meaning less than) and ancistrus, an allusion to the reduced number of teeth (particularly in the lower jaw) found in this genus.
Down arrow Species Information
Size 150mm or 5.9″ SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification If kept in good water conditions, this fish displays a very dark brown to black body with white lines.

Looks very similar to L066, but L066 has more of a white body base colouration with black lines on top! L333 is also stubbier from head to tail than most other congeners.
Sexing Adult males develope teeth-like odontodes around the head and the pectoral fins. Viewed from above the female looks much more massive than the male.

Easiest way of sexing even half-grown ones is to provide enough caves. The fish entering and staying in the holes are only the males.
Down arrow Habitat Information
Distribution Rio Xingu, Brazil
Amazon, Lower Amazon, Xingu (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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pH 6.4 - 7.2
Temperature 26.0-31.0°C or 78.8-87.8°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters Use very soft water at about 80-120 mS recommended for optimum care.
Down arrow Husbandry Information
Feeding Prefers meaty foods like shrimps, larvae or quality tablets. May even show interest in some vegetables.
Furniture Sand substrate, wood and many holes for the males to hide. Plants are welcome but not necessary, will sometimes be eaten.
Compatibility Very good tankmate for any fish living at the top of the water column. Much more demanding of the aquarist if attempting to keep together with Corydoras or other ground-living fish.
Suggested Tankmates Small tetras and other similar small fish. Also Corydoras. Care has to be taken to ensure that they get enough food, as they can be a bit shy and slow to grab food when available.
Breeding Very easy. The male keeps about 50-80 eggs in his hole. The fry leave the parental home at about 14 days and can easily be fed with tablets and frozen foods. Use a neutral pH and very soft water, temperature should be around 30 & Celsius.