Zebra pleco
| Hypancistrus zebra | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Juvenile. Photo: Birger A | |
| Conservation status | |
|
Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1)
|
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Loricariidae |
| Genus: | Hypancistrus |
| Species: | H. zebra |
| Binomial name | |
| Hypancistrus zebra Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1991 |
|
Hypancistrus zebra, gets its name from its black and white stripes, resembling the colouration of a zebra. It is a species of catfish endemic to Brazil where it occurs in the Big Bend area of the Xingu River, a tributary of the Amazon River, and was first described in the early 1990s.[1] This species grows to a length of 6.4 centimetres (2.5 in) SL.[1] This fish was exported from Brazil in great numbers for sale as aquarium fish. However, currently the Brazilian government bans the export of certain Hypancistrus, including H. zebra. H. zebra is threatened by the construction of the Belo Monte Dam in the Xingu river which will cause a severe reduction of the water flow of the entire known distribution range of the species. It is subject to several captive breeding programs.
Mature males have a larger head and longer interopercular spines than females. After spawning, the males will guard the eggs. The fry swim after seven days and absorb the yolk sac in two weeks.[2]
[edit] In the aquarium
Hypancistrus zebra is called L046,L098,L173 in terms of the L-numbering convention often applied to Loricariidae. H. zebra is a predator, feeding on small invertebrates such as chironomid-larvae.[2] It is nocturnal, moderately territorial, and prefer plenty of hiding places.[2]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2011). "Hypancistrus zebra" in FishBase. December 2011 version.
- ^ a b c Sanford, Gina (1999). Aquarium Owner's Guide. New York: DK Publishing. p. 40. ISBN 0-7894-4614-6.
- "Hypancistrus zebra". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=680132. Retrieved 19 March 2006.
http://www.brianstropicals.com/zebras.html - export ban
http://www.zebrapleco.com/ - The Official Home of Hypancistrus Zebra owners and breeders
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Hypancistrus zebra |
