Inspector Pleco L102 Care Guide
Hypancistrus inspector (traded as L102) is a loricariid catfish from the upper Negro and Orinoco basins, with white spots on a dark body and a cave-spawning habit.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Hypancistrus inspector is a loricariid catfish described by Armbruster in 2002. It occurs in the upper Negro, Casiquiare and upper Orinoco River basins of Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil. FishBase records a maximum standard length of about 12.6 cm. In the aquarium trade it is sold under the L-number L102.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Hypancistrus
- Scientific name: Hypancistrus inspector
- Described by: Armbruster, 2002
- Trade designation: L102
Habitat
The species inhabits rocky rapids and rocky areas, preferring flowing water with variably-sized rocks, sand, fine gravel and boulders. It ranges across the upper Negro basin in Brazil and the Casiquiare drainage connecting to the Orinoco in Venezuela.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 1-10 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
According to Seriously Fish, it is omnivorous with a preference for aquatic invertebrates, accepting sinking dried foods, frozen Daphnia, mosquito larvae, bloodworm and shrimp alongside some vegetable matter. FishBase notes wild specimens also consume algae, detritus and seeds.
Compatibility
A peaceful species suitable for a well-chosen community. Seriously Fish recommends avoiding other Hypancistrus species to prevent hybridisation. Peaceful midwater fishes such as tetras and corydoras make appropriate companions; aggressive or territorial plecos are best avoided.
Breeding
Hypancistrus inspector is a cave-spawner with male brood care, and has been bred successfully in aquaria. Females deposit eggs in caves while the male guards the spawning site.
Breeding Hypancistrus inspector (L102)
Overview
Hypancistrus inspector (L102), the snowball pleco, is a loricariid from the upper Rio Negro basin in Brazil and the Casiquiare drainage in Venezuela, normally collected from rocky rapids. Seriously Fish gives a maximum standard length of 140-160 mm and describes it as peaceful, and Wikipedia lists it as Least Concern. It has been bred in aquaria as a cave spawner.
Sexing
According to Seriously Fish, adult males have more odontodes on the leading pectoral-fin rays and in the interopercular region than females, and often show an overall reddish tone that females do not. Males are more slender when viewed from above.
Conditioning
Wild fish prefer aquatic invertebrates and small animals, so condition breeders on sinking foods, frozen Daphnia, bloodworms and mosquito larvae with supplemental vegetables.
Breeding Setup
Seriously Fish recommends a temperature of 22-30 C and pH 5.0-7.5 with high water movement and dissolved oxygen, plus weekly 30-50% water changes. Provide narrow caves as spawning sites.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The species is a cave spawner in which the male is responsible for brood care; the female lays a clutch inside the cave and the male tends and defends it.
Egg & Fry Care
The male guards the clutch in the cave through hatching and the fry remain there until their yolk reserves are used up. As the species is carnivorous, the free-swimming fry accept small meaty foods.
Common Challenges
Seriously Fish advises against housing it with other Hypancistrus species to prevent hybridisation, so keep only this species in the breeding tank. The rocky-rapids origin means clean, well-oxygenated water with strong flow must be maintained.