Leporacanthicus
triactis Isbrucker,
Nijssen & Nico, 1993 |
To mark the launch of
version2 of ScotCat, Jool's of Planetcatfish has gracefully accepted
my invitation to write this months Catfish Factsheet. He has decided
to go with a comparatively new species of Loricariidae and a most
beautiful one at that. So without much more ado I'll hand you over
to Jool's.
he genus Leporacanthicus is relatively
new being erected in 1989 to house Leporacanthicus galaxias.
That said it has been quick to gain a number of members. Within
this genus aquarists are most familiar with Leporacanthicus galaxias,
most commonly referred to as the Galaxy Pleco but also L007, L029,
Tusken or Vampire Pleco. It is certainly the most commonly available
member of the genus. Others (specifically L. heterodon and
L. joselimai and our fish, L. triactis) are also available
from time to time. The common name of 3 Beacon Pleco is not widely
established, but these things have to have their beginnings somewhere
and it is an accurate name - more descriptive than L091 at least.
Although usually thought of as a new import
it has been at least sporadically available for quite some time
as it's lower l-number suggests. It was labelled L91 in April 1992
before its scientific description in 1993. It is an easily recognised
pleco and has no other L-number "synonyms". Before L-numbers
we just didn't know what to call it. As such it does make an appearance
in a couple of older catfish books. Eagle-eyed pleco buffs will
have noticed it in Burgess' Catfish atlas on P732 (second photo
from top on the left hand side) and it labelled Hypostomus
sp. The same picture appears in Kobayagawa's World of Catfishes
on page 59 coincidentally in the same position.
Juvenile kept in dark surroundings
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Leporacanthicus
have a number of interesting anatomical features that make them
easily to identify in their rather complex sub-family. The name
"vampire pleco" is actually more appropriate to the
genus rather than any one species as they all equipped with an
unusual and certainly formidable form of dentition.
The upper teeth in the sucker-mouth are long and rasping giving
these fish great power in their search for food. Although not
a true bloodsucker, in the Transylvanian sense anyway, this destructive
dentistry is most easily witnessed at home should you try feeding
certain types of shelled crustaceans or molluscs. These offerings
are despatched with frightening ease and presumably form the mainstay
of their wild diet. In addition all Leproacanthicus have
a small, horn-like protrusion on the top of their heads giving
rise to the "tusken pleco" moniker. The purpose of this
is appendage is unknown and doesn't appear to have any function
in captivity.
Personally I find this fishes colouration it's most strikingly
beautiful and intriguing point. Depending on its surroundings
the fish can vary from brown or grey to charcoal black. It has
3 vivid orange blotches; one each on all 3 non-paired fins. These
pulses of colour put you in mind of a two-tone disco light cable
lain along the fishes lower back especially when the leading dorsal
fin ray is laid flat along the back. Unlike many Loricarids with
similar markings these flashes, if anything, increase intensity
with age. Although not as dark bodied as youngsters, this still
makes adults a striking fish. Some aquarists believe that these
markings are too confuse predators as to where the vital (tasty?)
parts of the fishes anatomy lie. In my opinion this fish already
has some mean predatory protection in the form of it's spiky fin
rays and armour plating; I believe its vivid colouration is for
a more specialised reason. To understand it we must first be familiar
with this fishes mode of reproduction. (See breeding below)
The upper teeth in the sucker-mouth are long.
Narrow, pointed head, round lower lip, and fleshy tentacles on the
upper lip.
Body brown or grey to charcoal black. 3 vivid
orange blotches; one each on all 3 non-paired fins. Unlike many
Loricarids with similar markings these flashes, if anything, increase
intensity with age.
This fish can be territorial with its own
kind and so must have a big enough aquarium if more than one is
kept. Regular water changes must be adhered to, and also having
a powerful filter system that can deliver a high oxygen content.
Hiding places are beneficial to this fish with bogwood or wood of
some description and/or some rockwork.
These fish are cave spawners. It is unclear
whether they make their own burrows in the clay mud vertical walls
of riverbanks or inhabit those that birds have deserted at the onslaught
of the rising river in the rainy season. Either way, imagine the
underwater scene at breeding time on such an immersed bank. Hundreds
of holes, some empty but many occupied by males in fine colouration
- competition for these burrows would be high and they are jealously
guarded. Think of it like a cliff face populated by hordes of nesting
sea birds all competing for nests, mates and eventually tending
young.
When in residence the male pleco enters these holes head first -
once safely ensconced all can that can been seen in the dark, murky
waters are the swaying tail lights of bright orange. It is my opinion
that these markings allow the females to find occupied burrows and
perhaps even the brightness of them indicates the suitability of
the male? Certainly it would allow the female to avoid the potentially
damaging mistake of entering a cave occupied by another species
of pleco or indeed catfish. In other similar plecos two or more
females visit one male's nest site laying their eggs for the male
to guard - it is not beyond the realms of possibility that this
is true of the 3 beacon pleco too.
This intriguing idea has yet to be tested in the aquarium as captive
spawning of this species still eludes specialist pleco keepers.
Presumably some suitably sized cave like structures specially constructed
from fired clay would be required along with a pair of these fish.
More than a pair would require a spacious aquarium as the fish are
quite territorial, even male and female will squabble if not given
sufficient room. Yet it may be that the maintenance of a species
group is necessary to facilitate at least a good sized spawn if
not a spawn at all.
Not a true vegetarian so a wide variety of
foods including algae wafers, cucumber or courgette ( zuchini),
frozen bloodworm, prawns, shrimps and tablet food. Shelled crustaceans
or molluscs
Top: © Julian
Dignall @ 
Bottom: Paul Moes |
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| Synonyms:
|
| None |
| Common
Name: |
| L
091, Three Beacon Pleco |
| Family: |
| Loricariidae |
| Subfamily: |
| Ancistrinae |
| Distribution: |
Venezuela, Amazonas,
upper Orinoco basin |
| Size: |
| 25cm. (10ins) |
| Temp: |
| 22-25ºC ( 71-77°f) |
| pH.: |
| 6.5-7.2 |
| Donation: |
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