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This genera is similar to the Ancistrus in appearance. They possess three stout odonodes concealed beneath the gill covers which act as a defense mechanism. This species is referred to in some aquarium fish publications as L017 and LDA15, but the code L017 was coined to depict a Pseudancistrus (Stawikowski 174) today known as P. asurini. One individual of the lot INPA 40877 shows a hypertrophied membrane posterior to last ray of dorsal-fin, covering four plates immediately behind it, but not reaching the preadipose plate, thus a similar but distinct condition than what is observed in species of Baryancistrus Rapp Py-Daniel, 1989. Habitat: Hopliancistrus wolverine is currently known from the middle Rio Xingu, from immediately downriver the Belo Monte Village, throughout the Volta Grande do Xingu to the vicinity of São Fe´lix do Xingu, and in the Rio Iriri, immediately upstream its confluence to Xingu until the mouth of the Rio Curu. Aquarium Care: Likes a current in the aquarium and are peaceful habitants. Likes a higher temperature and need frequent water changes to keep them in good health. Sexual Differences: Males posses a broad head region and more prominent bristling on the edge of the snout. Diet: Omnivore; veg foods such as lettuce, spinach, cucumber and veg. tablets. Live and frozen foods such as Cyclops, Daphnia and brine shrimp. Etymology: The specific name is an allusion to the Mustelidae Gulo gulo, also known as wolverine, glutton, carcajou, skunk bear, or quickhatch because of it’s blunt stature, strong claws, and ferocity. Name in apposition. Remarks: The L-number of L017 was originally given to a Pseudancistrus sp. (P. asurini) with the same colouring of yellow in the tail fin from the same river system but was later given the L-number of L067, and this Hopliancistrus species (which didn't have an L-number at the time) was given the the L-number 17.

L017, Wolverine pleco

None

Loricariidae

South America: Brazil, Pará, Rio Xingu (Altamira).

15.0cm. (6ins)

26-30°c (79-87°f.)

6.0-7.0.