Pseudancistrus pectegenitor (L259) Care Guide
Pseudancistrus pectegenitor (L259) is a loricariid catfish of the upper Orinoco in Venezuela, a peaceful algae grazer reaching about 24 cm.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pseudancistrus pectegenitor is a suckermouth armoured catfish of the family Loricariidae, known in the aquarium trade as L259. It is a mid-sized, peaceful grazing pleco.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Pseudancistrus
- Scientific name: Pseudancistrus pectegenitor
- Trade code: L259
Habitat
According to FishBase the species occurs in the Rio Orinoco above Raudales Atures and the Rio Casiquiare in Venezuela. It is a demersal, tropical freshwater fish that inhabits flowing water associated with large rock outcrops in the main river channel.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate, well-oxygenated
- Adult size: up to about 24 cm SL
- Lifespan: about 8-12 years
Driftwood, caves and clean, well-oxygenated water reflect its rocky, flowing natural habitat.
Diet
This pleco is a grazing herbivore. A predominantly plant-based diet, including vegetables and algae-based foods, suits it; feeding once daily is appropriate.
Compatibility
Pseudancistrus pectegenitor is peaceful and bottom-dwelling, making it suitable for community tanks. Tetras and corydoras are good companions, while other territorial plecos are best avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2017.
Breeding Pseudancistrus pectegenitor (L259)
Overview
Pseudancistrus pectegenitor (L259) is a loricariid of the Orinoco system, occurring in the main channel near the mouth of the Ventuari River and in the Casiquiare, typically in areas of flowing water near large rocky outcrops, and reaching about 24 cm standard length (Wikipedia). Its specific epithet means 'quilled father' and alludes to its paternal care; the type was based on a presumably adult male collected while caring for a large brood. The species has more recently been placed in the genus Colossimystax (Colossimystax pectegenitor).
Breeding Setup
Its natural habitat of flowing water over rocks indicates a need for strong current, high oxygen and clean, not-too-hard water. Pseudancistrus-type plecos require pristine, well-filtered conditions, and adult males are highly territorial toward other large loricariids.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Direct field evidence shows paternal care: an adult male was collected while tending a large brood of young (Wikipedia). This is consistent with the cave/crevice spawning and male egg-guarding seen across related ancistrine loricariids.
Egg & Fry Care
As the documented care is paternal, the male is expected to guard the developing brood. Replicating the strong, oxygen-rich flow of the natural habitat is likely central to any spawning attempt and to brood survival.
Common Challenges
Strong demands for high flow, oxygen and water quality, pronounced male territoriality and the complete absence of a documented aquarium spawning make this a very difficult species to reproduce.