Edit Acanthicus hystrix
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Name
Scientific name
Acanthicus hystrix
Described by
Authority Spix & Agassiz, Year 1829
Family
Loricariidae
Common names
L155, Lyre Tail Pleco, Schwarze Elfenwels
Photograph credits
All 12 credited
Summary
The lyre tail pleco, Acanthicus hystrix, is a very large loricariid catfish from the Amazon region of Brazil and Peru. A handful of records…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
1000mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 600 cm, Minimum depth 200 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 23–30°C, pH 6–7.5
Hardness
2–12dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Territorial
Social needs
Solitary or specimen
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Amazon, Orinoco, Tocantins
Writing
Etymology
Acanthicus: from the Greek akánthinos (Gr. ἀκάνθινος), meaning 'thorny', in reference to the dorsal surface of the head being covered with erectile spines (odo…
Distribution
The precise type locality is unknown and given simply as 'Amazon River', although the species has subsequently been recorded throughout much of the Amazon regi…
Habitat
Mostly inhabits slower-moving sections of rivers and tributaries and apparently often associated with human settlements.
Aquarium size
For an adult specimen aquarium base dimensions in excess of 600 ∗ 200 cm are required, meaning this species is largely unsuitable for private aquaria.
Maintenance
Prefers dim lighting and access to refuges in the form of driftwood, large rocks or lengths of plastic piping. Juveniles can be kept in planted aquaria but adu…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
This species is a generalised detrivore, so offer a varied diet comprising dried, frozen and live foods including sinking tablets, wafers, slices of fruit and …
Behaviour and compatibility
Juveniles tend to be quite peaceful but become more territorial and aggressive as they mature, meaning adults should be maintained singly and unless the aquari…
Sexual dimorphism
Males may develop more extensive odontal growth on the pectoral rays, cheeks and body and exhibit more territorial behaviour once sexually mature. The most rel…
Reproduction
Appears not to have been achieved in captivity thus far. Apparently a cave spawner with the male responsible for guarding and tending the eggs.
Notes
Despite its patent unsuitability as an aquarium subject attractively-coloured juvenile specimens of this species are traded in quite large numbers, although th…
References
References
No references