Hypancistrus sp. “L333”

Order: Siluriformes
Suborder: Loricarioidei
Family: Loricariidae
Subfamily: Hypostominae
Genus: Hypancistrus
Species: not described yet

Hypancistrus sp. "L333" is a fairly small pleco with a body length of about 12 to 15 cm.

This unsubscribed species shows a black, gray or brown wormline pattern. The pattern is very variable and can show thin or thick worm lines or even stripes.

Because there are a lot Hypancistrus spp. who show a high variability in wormlines it is often difficult to tell if it is a real "L333". In addition, hybridization of Hypancistrus species is possible and has occurred several times, making it even more difficult to tell exactly which species it is.

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Like many other Hypancistrus species, also "L333" can show a very variable pattern from specimen to specimen, like it is visible with these two fish on the pictures.

Sexing is mostly not difficult. From the side males seem to be higher and in general more robust built.

The males head is bigger with mostly more odontode growth on the gills.

Also the pectoral fins show more odontodes with males than with females.

Little spikes on the tail can be seen with both sexes but tend to be bigger with males.

From top sexing is the relatively easy. Especially gravid females show a really curved body line with the broadest part in the belly region, in comparison to males, which show the broadest part around the shoulders. The tail ends fatter with males.

The males head is longer and in general bigger than the females head.

Also from underneath sexing is mostly not difficult. Where as males show a pointy and small genital papilla, females show a rather big and round one.

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