Hopliancistrus tricornis (L017) Care Guide
Hopliancistrus tricornis is a rare loricariid catfish (L017) endemic to the Tapajos and Xingu river basins of Brazil, listed as Endangered by the IUCN.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Hopliancistrus tricornis is a suckermouth armoured catfish of the family Loricariidae and the tribe Ancistrini. The genus Hopliancistrus was established by Isbrucker and Nijssen in 1989, and H. tricornis is its type species. It carries the aquarium trade code L017 and is rarely available to hobbyists.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Hopliancistrus
- Scientific name: Hopliancistrus tricornis
- Trade code: L017
Habitat
The species occurs in South America, in the Tapajos and Xingu river basins of Brazil. According to FishBase it is a demersal, bottom-dwelling fish of tropical freshwater. All described members of the genus are reported from the Para state of Brazil.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate, well-oxygenated
- Lifespan: about 8-12 years
As a loricariid it needs driftwood, caves and clean, well-oxygenated water.
Diet
This catfish is an omnivore. In the aquarium a mixed diet that combines vegetable matter with occasional protein foods suits loricariid plecos of this type; feeding once daily is appropriate.
Compatibility
Hopliancistrus tricornis is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling and largely nocturnal fish. Calm mid-water companions such as tetras and corydoras are suitable, while other territorial or aggressive plecos are best avoided to limit competition for caves.
Breeding
It is a cave-spawner. Breeding in captivity is considered advanced and is rarely reported, in part because the species is uncommon in the hobby.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Endangered, assessed in 2018. The restricted river-basin distribution makes the species sensitive to habitat change.
Breeding Hopliancistrus tricornis (L017)
Overview
Hopliancistrus tricornis (L017) is a loricariid endemic to Brazil, found in the Tapajos and Xingu river basins and reaching a maximum size of about 20 cm (8 in). It is recorded as a cave spawner. The species is rare in the hobby and detailed captive-breeding accounts are lacking, so the genus pattern is presented with that caveat.
Breeding Setup
As a cave spawner the species needs suitable caves for reproduction. Wood may be offered, though it is not strictly required, within a clean, well-oxygenated tank with good flow.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The species is documented as a cave spawner. In line with the broader Loricariidae pattern for such species, spawning takes place inside a cave selected and defended by the male.
Egg & Fry Care
Following the typical loricariid cave-spawning model, the male is expected to guard and fan the clutch within the cave until the fry are free-swimming; maintaining clean, warm, oxygen-rich water supports development.
Common Challenges
The greatest difficulties are the species' rarity in the trade and the absence of documented spawning protocols, alongside the general loricariid requirement for pristine, well-oxygenated water and secure caves.