Ancistomus snethlageae (L141) Care Guide
Ancistomus snethlageae (L141) is a mid-sized loricariid pleco from the Tapajós basin, requiring driftwood, caves and oxygen-rich water.
Overview
Ancistomus snethlageae is a loricariid catfish described by Steindachner in 1911 and known in the hobby as L141 (also L215). FishBase and Wikipedia place it in the Tapajós basin in Brazil. It is a mid-sized pleco that requires driftwood, caves and clean, well-oxygenated water.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Ancistomus
- Scientific name: Ancistomus snethlageae
- Described by: Steindachner, 1911
- L-numbers: L141, L215
Habitat
FishBase and Wikipedia record the species from the Tapajós River basin in Brazil. It is a freshwater, demersal (bottom-dwelling) fish of tropical climate, associated with rocky and sandy stretches with current.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L (about 40 gal)
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
FishBase records a maximum size of 22 cm total length. Well-oxygenated water with moderate to strong current and ample hiding places is important.
Diet
The species is omnivorous, fed around once daily. A varied diet of sinking foods, algae or spirulina-based foods and vegetable matter suits this bottom-dwelling loricariid.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, nocturnal bottom-dweller. It can be combined with tetras and Corydoras, but other territorial or aggressive plecos should be avoided, especially among males.
Breeding
It is a cave-spawner, with breeding regarded as advanced. As in related loricariids, the male typically guards the eggs within a cave.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (assessed 2018), reflecting threats to its restricted river habitat.