Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes

This species is sometimes confused with unidentified fishes such as A. sp. 'L352'. It can be told apart from closely-related congeners by possession of relatively long maxillary barbels which are free from the lower lip, and a colour pattern consisting of small spots on the head and vermiform lines on the body in males, and small spots all over the head and body in females.

Prior to description this species was traded under the DATZ code L239. It can be distinguished from other species in the genus and other hypostomines (see below for definition of this grouping) by its uniformly black to brownish body and fin colouration with a turquoise to bluish sheen, and the acutely bent shape of midventral body plates 3-5 which form a distinctive keel running along the body, above the pectoral fins...

It's suprising that this relatively unknown species is not more popular in the hobby, given its small adult size and peaceable nature. It's often confused with LDA09, but can be distinguished by the pattern of small spots on its head, as in LDA09 the spots are larger and uniform in size over the whole body.

One of the most common of the numerous species sold as 'whiptail catfish', R. parva is an excellent species for the newcomer to Loricariids or catfish breeding. It's certainly not the most active species, but when settled and housed with the correct kind of tankmates is by no means shy either. In 2002, it was briefly placed in the resurrected genus Hemiloricaria, but this lasted less than twelve months, at which point it was transferred back to Rineloricaria. Currently only Rin...

As mentioned above, this fish may or may not be a man-made, or even hybrid, species. There are a few theories regarding this currently in circulation. Some believe that the fish are derived from a true wild caught fish, possibly of Paraguayan origin. These wild-caught red whiptails are supposed to breed true, producing all red fry, although there is no concrete evidence that they actually exist. The second possibility is that it's a selectively-bred form of Rineloricaria lanceolata, but thi...

Despite its patent unsuitability as an aquarium subject attractively-coloured juvenile specimens of this species are traded in quite large numbers, although the scarcity of privately-maintained adults would suggest that most fail to reach their potential. The striking, spotted patterning also disappears as this species matures, and since it also becomes increasingly bellligerent with age it can only be recommended to owners of the largest private aquaria or tropical ponds. There exists an albino...

Despite its patent unsuitability as an aquarium subject attractively-coloured juvenile specimens of this species are traded in quite large numbers, although the scarcity of privately-maintained adults would suggest that most fail to reach their potential. The striking, spotted patterning also disappears as this species matures, and since it also becomes increasingly bellligerent with age it can only be recommended to owners of the largest private aquaria or tropical ponds. There exists an albino...

A somehwhat odd-looking species with a distinctive wide head and overall flattened profile. Unfortunately this fish is not the easiest fish to keep alive in the aquarium since it requires rather specialised conditions and is often in poor condition post-import. As a juvenile, it often sports a pattern of light spots on the body, leading to confusion with the similarly shaped L255 species.In A. ranunculus, these spots fade as the fish mature,...

A somewhat odd-looking species with a distinctive wide head and overall flattened profile. Unfortunately this fish is not the easiest fish to keep alive in the aquarium since it requires rather specialised conditions and is often in poor condition post-import.

This is the ubiquitous 'bristlenose' catfish in the aquarium hobby and is bred commerically on a large scale although it's precise origin is unknown with some of the opinion that it may be a hybrid. Several line-bred ornamental varieties exist, including piebald, albino and long-finned forms of both the standard and albino fish, of which long-finned fish are sometimes sold as 'butterfly' or 'veiltail' catfish.

Prior to description this species was traded under the DATZ code L047 or the alternative vernacular name 'magnum pleco'. It can be distinguished from congeners by a combination of the following characters: presence of a broad, light-coloured (usually yellowish) distal band on the dorsal and caudal fins throughout life, slightly reduced in adults. The only other member of the genus to possess such bands is B. xanthellus but in that species they are reduced to small markings at the fin tips in adults, and the body is covered in pale, normally yellowish, spots.

This species is very similar to Hemiancistrus subviridis in appearance and the two occur sympatrically in nature, although B. demantoides is less common in the aquarium trade. Both have been marketed under the DATZ code L200 with B. demantoides sometimes referred to as 'L200 high-fin' or 'L200a', the former name in reference to its comparatively long dorsal-fin spine (average length in the type series 42.1 mm vs. 34.3 mm in H. subviridis).

It remains unconfirmed as to whether this fish represents a colour form of B. xanthellus or not since its DATZ code number of L081 is not referred to in the description paper whereas all other codes for 'gold nugget' plecos, i.e., L018, L085, L177 plus the 'Das Aquarium' code LDA060 are mentioned. In addition, one of the specimens in our images was apparently collected at São Félix do Xingu which is significantl...

The genus Baryancistrus can be distinguished from all other loricariids by possession of an enlarged membrane located posteriorly to the last branched dorsal-fin ray. This membrane may or may not reach the supporting structure of the adipose fin and in this way members can be told apart from the genera Oligancistrus, Parancistrus, and Spectracanthicus, in which the dorsal and adipose fins are completely connected, and Hemiancistrus...

Prior to description in 2011 this species was traded under the DATZ code numbers L018, L085, L077 and 'Das Aquarium' code LDA060, while a very similar-looking fish from the lower rio Xingu which has been assigned the code L081 may also represent a form of B. xanthellus but is not mentioned in the description paper. B. xanthellus can be distinguished from congeners by a combination of the following...

Although often sold as the closely related F. acus (a species that is highly endangered and imported very rarely, if at all), F. vittata is the most common representative of the genus in hobbyists' tanks. The easiest way to distinguish the two is by comparing the shape of the rostrum, which is longer and more slender in vittata, although there are also differences in the arrangement of the ventral scutes. They are adapted for life among peripheral vegetation and tree roots along the edges o...

One of the most enigmatic species in the hobby, this incredible little catfish must rank amongst the most stunning freshwater species known. In the late 1990s and the early part of this century you could buy one of these for as little as twenty pounds. However in 2004, the Brazilian government banned the exportation of the species amid apparent concerns over the exploitation of wild stocks. As yet, the conservation status of the fish has not been confirmed by any scientific proof with the only e...

This species is part of the Hypostomus cochliodon complex, all of which were previously included in the genus Cochliodon, which is now considered a synonym of Hypostomus. Members of this group can be distinguished from congeners by several differences in morphology, most notably the hump-backed profile of mature fish and spoon-shaped dentition. These features, along with the fishes tendency to eat wood, are shared with the Panaque genus of the Ancistrinae subfamily, but the two genera are known ...

This undescribed species is part of the Hypostomus cochliodon complex, all of which were previously included in the genus Cochliodon, which is now considered a synonym of Hypostomus. Members of this group can be distinguished from congeners by several differences in morphology, most notably the hump-backed profile of mature fish and spoon-shaped dentition. These features, along with the fishes tendency to eat wood, are shared with the Panaque genus of the Ancistrinae subfamily, but the two gener...

This lovely little species was only described in 2005 and the same study also reclassified most of the species previously assigned to Laciancistrus. Many were found to be of different genera or representatives of the same species. Laciancistrus can be easily distinguished from Ancistrus (and indeed all other Loricariids) by the presence of whiskerlike odontotes growing among the cheek odontotes. These are very thin and clearly visible, and are indeed reminiscent of mammalian hairs. This part...

A very stylish looking plec, L. galaxias can also be seen for sale as the vampire or tusken plec. Both these names relate to features of morphology that are shared by all members of the genus. The latter arose from the presence of a characteristic growth on the head of the fish. The vampire moniker, meanwhile, is derived from the unique upper jaw dentition, consisting of, you guessed it, two large teeth or "fangs". The exact use for these is unknown, but they're probably utilised ...

Wild specimens are probably omnivorous foragers but with a preference for aquatic invertebrates and suchlike. In the aquarium it does best when offered a varied diet comprising sinking dried foods, frozen Daphnia, mosquito larvae, chironomid larvae (bloodworm), and prawn/shrimp, for, example, plus some fresh fruit, parboiled potato, etc.

One of the most common of the numerous species sold as 'whiptail catfish', R. eigenmanni is an excellent species for the newcomer to Loricariids or catfish breeding. It's certainly not the most active species, but when settled and housed with the correct kind of tankmates, it is by no means shy either. It does have a bit of a confusing taxonomic past, though. Whilst currently considered a member of Rineloricaria, it was first decribed as a species of Loricaria, before being mov...

One of the most common of the numerous species sold as 'whiptail catfish', R. fallax is an excellent species for the newcomer to Loricariids or catfish breeding. It's certainly not the most active species, but when settled and housed with the correct kind of tankmates is by no means shy either. In 2002 it was briefly placed in the resurrected genus Hemiloricaria, but this lasted less than twelve months, after which it was transferred back to Rineloricaria. Currently only Rinelo...

Often confused with the common bristlenose, Ancistrus sp. (3) and some other members of the genus. This species is imported quite often, but unlike sp. (3) is almost always wild caught. So similar are some of these species that a definite id is sometimes impossible without knowing the collection locality of the fish. When buying Loricariids always check that the fish has a rounded belly and that its eyes aren't sunken, as these are classic signs of emaciation in newly imported specimens...

Hypoptopoma incognitum

This undescribed species is part of the Hypostomus cochliodon species complex, all members of which were previously included in the genus Cochliodon, now considered a synonym of Hypostomus. Members of this group can be distinguished from congeners by several differences in morphology, most notably the hump-backed profile of mature fish and spoon-shaped dentition. These features, along with the fishes tendency to eat wood, are shared with the Panaque genus of the Ancistrinae subfamily, but the tw...

One of the most common of the numerous species sold as 'whiptail catfish', R. lanceolata is an excellent species for the newcomer to Loricariids or catfish breeding. It's certainly not the most active species, but when settled and housed with the correct kind of tankmates is by no means shy either....

This species is not always identified correctly with its name used for the unidentified common bristlenose and other similar species, while the fish itself has been referred to as A. hoplogenys and assigned the L-number L183. Images and information describing it it in much of the available literature confirm this confusion.

This species is traded under a number of English vernacular names, of which some others include 'blonde bulldog pleco', 'blonde rubber pleco', 'blonde rubbernose pleco', 'striped rubber pleco', and 'striped rubbernose pleco'. It may also be seen referred to as 'L146', 'L146a', or 'L187b', these codes having been used for it in the Aqualog series of books. It can be told apart from all congeners except C. anale and C. jegui by...

Formerly known as Peckoltia pulcher, this species is also known as the pretty peckoltia, flounder plec (in reference to its flattened shape) or chameleon plec. This latter name is quite appropriate, as the fish will change colour depending on the colour of the substrate and other surfaces. It also has a distinctive night time colouration. It closely resembles the Rio Orinoco species L052 and these may turn out to be the same species, as the waters that they inhabit become connected during th...

This species was only described to science in 2005, the species name being taken from the name of a local tribe. It's also known as the spotted orange seam plec, due to its patterning. It's found living alongside other Loricariid species in nature, including Peckoltia and other Hemiancistrus species. There's ongoing discussion as to whether this species and the currently undescribed L122 are one and the same, as these two were apparently both included in the scientific description...

This stunning species must surely rank among the most attractive Loricariids available in the hobby. There are several colour forms available, depending on collection locality. These vary in base colour and in the number, size and positioning of the spots on the body. The true identity of this fish is shrouded in confusion. It may or may not be Hemiancistrus subviridis, also known as the green phantom plec (L200), which it resembles very closely in morphology. The two are also found in diffe...

Also known as the knob nosed whiptail, this species is difficult to confuse with any other Loricariid due to its distinctive 'diamond' shape when viewed from above, and peculiarly shaped rostrum (nose), which is enlarged at the tip. It also lacks discernible odontotes on the head and pectoral fins. So distinctive is it, in fact, that it is currently monotypic (the only species in its genus). The species name is derived from its superficial resemblance to the sturgeons of the genus Acip...

H. inspector can be told apart from other described species in the genus by the following combination of characters: colour pattern comprising brown to black base with large whitish to yellow spots; adpressed dorsal-fin not reaching the adipose-fin spine; spots on head much smaller than on rest of body; spots in the upper caudal-fin lobe combining to form bands in adults; 24 plates in the mid-ventral series.

The genus Hypancistrus is diagnosed from all other loricariids by a wide separation between the metapterygoid and lateral ethmoid, presence of a sharply angled adductor palatini crest of the hyomandibula, and no lateral wall in the metapterygoid channel. More useful for aquarists is the fact that in Hypancistrus the dentary teeth are about twice a...

Collected from the rio Xingu downstream and in the vicinity of Belo Monte, Pará state, northern Brazil. The majority of its natural habitat is likely to be severely degraded in the near future due to ongoing construction of the Belo Monte dam.

A similar-looking, larger form from the rio Jarí, which enters the Amazon from the opposite bank a few hundred kilometres downstream from the Tapajós has been assigned the code L411. The two can be told apart relatively easily since in L260 the white vermiculations on the body are significantly finer than in L411, in which the black and white components of the colour pattern are of more-or-less equivalent width.

This unidentified species possesses a highly variable colour pattern with the pale, randomly-arranged spots and blotches on the body ranging in colour from whitish to yellowish to rusty orange depending on the specimen. It's regularly confused with similar-looking relativ...

L136 and its variants are collected in the rio Negro basin, Amazonas state, Brazil, and in particular the rio Demini, a northern tributary flowing into the central Negro in the municipality of Barcelos. Collection details for LDA05 and LDA06 are currently unclear but presumably in the vicinity. This unidentified 'species' is highly variable in terms of colour pattern, and it has been assigned a ser...

This undescribed species is part of the Hypostomus cochliodon complex, all of which were previously included in the genus Cochliodon. This is now considered a synonym of Hypostomus. Members of this group can be distinguished from congeners by several differences in morphology, most notably the hump-backed profile of mature fish and spoon-shaped dentition. These features, along with the fishes tendency to eat wood, are shared with the Panaque genus of the Ancistrinae subfamily, but the two genera...

Supposedly exported from the upper Amazon region in Peru but precise details are lacking. It's unclear whether this unidentified species is conspecific with the similarly nameless congener L266 or not.

This species is relatively common in the aquarium hobby but is not easy to maintain and recommended only for experienced aquarists. It can be told apart from all congeners by specimens larger than 60 mm SL possessing an extended pectoral-fin spine forming an extremely long filament that may be more than four times the length of the first branched pectoral-fin ray (vs. not possessing such a filament in other species of Lamontichthys).

A rarely seen species in the hobby.

The vampire part of the common name is derived from the unique upper jaw dentition exhibited by members of this genus, consisting of, you guessed it, two large teeth or "fangs". The exact use for these is unknown, but they're probably utilised to grip prey items such as snails or other aquatic invertebrates in some way. When buying one of these (or any Loricariid), be sure to check the fish has a rounded belly and that its eyes aren't sunken, as these are classic signs of ema...

Leporacanthicus species are commonly referred to as "vampire plecs". This is derived from the unique upper jaw dentition exhibited by members of this genus, unsurprisingly consisting of two large teeth or "fangs". The exact use for these is unknown, but they're probably utilised to grip prey items such as snails or other aquatic invertebrates in some way. Another feature shared by all Leporacanthicus is a small bony growth of unknown use on top of the head. This particul...

There are a few different colour forms of this lovely suckermouth available, each of which possess varying amounts of orange patterning in the fins. Some of these are given extravagant sounding names such as "dragon fin" or "tiger fin". What's nice about this species, is that these flashes of colour don't fade with age, as with many of its relatives, making for a striking fish when fully grown. Leporacanthicus species are commonly referred to as "vampire ple...

This stunning miniature Loricariid has only been available in the hobby since 2001, and was described to science in 2004. As with other otos, it can be a little delicate when first imported and should be quarantined carefully until it's settled.

This is one of the commoner "otos" seen in the hobby, and is an ideal species for the planted aquarium. Unfortunately it can be quite delicate when first imported, and losses are not uncommon. This is usually down to lack of food, as it's a small fish and needs to feed almost constantly, so it's easily starved during transportation. As almost all otos are wild caught, they can be quite sensitive to water quality, too. Many hobbyists report fewer problems if the fish are added...

Not difficult to maintain under the correct conditions; we strongly recommend keeping it in a tank designed to simulate a flowing stream with a substrate of variably-sized rocks, sand, fine gravel, and some water-worn boulders. This can be further furnished with driftwood branches, terracotta pipes, plant pots, etc., arranged to form a network of nooks, crannies, and shaded spots, thus providing broken lines of sight.

This species has had several L-numbers assigned to it, with L146 collected from an unspecified locality in Colombia and L232 from the Río Putomayo/Içá. It's exported for the aquarium trade under a number of different generic names including Hemiancistrus, Sophiancistrus and Peckoltichthys. Following Armbruster (2008) it can be to...

This species can be distinguished from all congeners except P. bachi and some specimens of P. furcata by possessing only faint spots and saddles on the body. It can be told apart from P. bachi by possession of narrow (vs. wide) pelvic-fin spines, having the eyes positioned high (vs. low) on the head, and distinctly round (vs. appearing more as a mottling) spots on the body.

Commonly known as the big spot peckoltia, there is ongoing argument that this species should be included in the genus Hemiancistrus. As things stand, there has not yet been any scientific confirmation of this and the species remains undescribed. It's also often confused with the very similar-looking L013, another undescribed fish. These two species can only easily be distinguished as they mature, as L163 retains its spotted patterning, while L013 tends to become somewhat duller. When b...

Known with certainty from tributaries of the middle Río Orinoco between the city of Puerto Ayacucho, Amazonas state, Venezuela and the lower Río Meta, Colombia. It may have a wider distribution within the Meta system since some reports suggest it to occur around Villavicencia, Colombia, some 600 km upriver.

Known only from parts of the Río Orinoco drainage in Amazonas state, southern Venezuela. Sometimes confused with Peckoltia lineola (Armbruster, 2008) alongside which it's often exported for the aquarium trade.

Currently known only from the rios Curuá Una and Uruará in Pará state, Brazil. The Curuá Una is a tributary flowing into the main lower Amazon channel downstream of Santarém and there is a large hydroelectric power plant constructed on it which supplies power to the city. The Uruará joins the Curuá Una around 30 km upstream of its mouth and confluence with the Amazon.

L076 and L099 appear to be the same species with the former exhibiting a darker diurnal colour pattern than the latter, though both appear similar at night.

Mostly collected in the in the rio Negro basin, Amazonas state, Brazil, and in particular the rio Demini, a northern tributary flowing into the central Negro in the municipality of Barcelos. P. leopardus was described from the Rupununi River in Guyana and the identity of this fish thus remains unconfirmed. This 'species' is also traded simply as 'leo...

A paternal 'lip brooder' which has been bred in aquaria. Post-spawning the male carries the eggs attached to his labial barbels for a period of 12-14 days after which the fry hatch with a large yolk sac attached, this being absorbed over the next 48 hours or so. During incubation the behaviour of the male i...

This species is not seen as often as some others in the genus. In 2002 it was briefly placed in the resurrected genus Hemiloricaria, but this lasted less than twelve months, after which it was transferred back to Rineloricaria. Currently only Rineloricaria is valid, but you'll still see it being referred to as Hemiloricaria quite often....

This species is sometimes referred to as Hypostomus villarsi, and is a rare find in the hobby. If you're lucky enough to see some for sale, check the fish have rounded bellies and that their eyes aren't sunken before you part with any cash, as these are classic signs of emaciation in newly imported Loricariids....

Also known popularly as the rubbernose plecs, Chaetostoma species are seen for sale quite often these days. This is one of the more commonly seen, and provided its needs are adequately met, is a very hardy little fish. There's a bit of mystery surrounding its true identity, hence the species name, and it's sometimes misidentified in shops. The true L187 is currently known as Chaetostoma pearsei, and is a white-spotted fish. When buying Loricariids such as this always check the fish ...

An attractive and very hardy larger plec.

The pictures here show the fish that is most commonly referred to as L. simillima, but there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding its true identity. As suggested above, it seems unlikely that its natural distribution is so wide, and we are probably dealing with several species or subspecies. This argument is strengthened by the fact that several differently coloured fish are imported as this species, with darker specimens being collected from acidic blackwaters and lighter fish hailing fro...

This species was formerly considered to be represented by the L-numbers L113 and L234 but it appears that only the former is native to the Paraná, Paraguay and Uruguay drainages, whereas L234 is collected in the rio São Francisco in eastern Brazil. M. barrae and M. sp. 'LDA097' are also exported from the São Francisco system.

L234 was previously applied to M. paranus, which has also has the L-number L113 assigned to it. However M. paranus is native to the Paraná, Paraguay and Uruguay drainages, whereas L234 is collected in the rio São Francisco so appears to represent an unidentified species. M. barrae and M. sp. 'LDA097' are also exported from the São Francisco system.

This attractive species is often seen for sale at around 3-4" in length (often as Hypostomus cf. emarginata or H. emarginatus), but given its adult size, its not a terribly good choice for the general community tank. Due to its very wide natural distribution, there are a number of known geographical variants, and this has resulted in four L numbers currently being assigned to it. In reality, there are many more variants than this, and all share the characteristic elongated which gives rise...

Acestridium dichromum