Queen Arabesque Pleco L260 Care Guide
Hypancistrus furunculus (traded as L260, Queen Arabesque) is a small loricariid catfish from the Orinoco basin in Venezuela; a carnivorous cave-spawner.
Overview
Hypancistrus furunculus is a small loricariid catfish described by Armbruster, Lujan and Taphorn in 2007. It is endemic to Venezuela, where it occurs in the Orinoco River, and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. In the aquarium trade it is sold under the L-number L260 and the name Queen Arabesque.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Hypancistrus
- Scientific name: Hypancistrus furunculus
- Described by: Armbruster, Lujan & Taphorn, 2007
- Trade designation: L260
Habitat
The species is a freshwater, bottom-dwelling catfish of the Orinoco River system in Venezuela. PlanetCatfish notes that the fish enjoy heavy currents and clean water; as with other Hypancistrus, driftwood and caves are appropriate furnishings.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 1-10 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
According to PlanetCatfish, L260 are carnivores rather than algae-eaters; they are conditioned with frozen foods such as cyclops and brine shrimp, with bloodworms offered roughly once a week. They are not reliant on algae.
Compatibility
A peaceful, bottom-dwelling species that PlanetCatfish describes as easy to add to an existing community as it needs little additional space. Suitable companions include peaceful midwater fishes such as tetras and corydoras; aggressive or strongly territorial plecos are best avoided.
Breeding
Hypancistrus furunculus is a cave-spawner. PlanetCatfish reports that it is not difficult to breed when provided with a tight, deep cave (about twice the length of the male), and that it spawns in ordinary tap water around pH 7.5-8 with frequent water changes.