All Fishes ⇒ Loricariidae ⇒ Hypostominae ⇒ The genus Hypancistrus

Hop to next section Summary of hypancistrus
Pronounced hype an siss truss
Etymology A contraction of the Greek hypo (meaning less than) and ancistrus, an allusion to the reduced number of teeth (particularly in the lower jaw) found in this genus.
Feeding Unlike the popular opinion of many other loricariids, Hypancistrus are more carnivores than algae eaters. This is backed up by a small and lightly toothed mouth that indicates they are poor algae scrapers. Provide small and frequent supply of mainly meaty foods such as dry discus food, bloodworm and even brineshrimp with the infrequent offering of flake or algae tablets.
Compatibility Suitable with most fish, as long as they are not too large or territorial about bottom-space.
Tankmates Small tetras and other similar small fish. Also Corydoras. Care has to be taken to ensure that they get enough food, as they can be a bit shy and slow to grab food when available.
Furniture Sand, primarily rocks and optionally driftwood. Caves made out of slate plates, bamboo or PVC pipe.
Sexing Mature males have thicker first pectoral ray, more pronounced odontodes on the first pectoral fin ray and odontodes on the cheeks and/or rear of the body, and typically a wider head. Mature females are wider around the middle of the body, and much less noticeable body and fin odontodes.
Breeding All Hypancistrus are closed cave spawners. Males trap females in the cave, eggs are laid and fertilised after which the male guards them until the fry are free swimming.
Size Smallest 42mm, largest 160mm, average 102mm, most commonly 120mm. All SL.
Species There are 57 "species" in the database
Keepers 6 species (10%) are being kept by registered keepers
New spp. / time
1750 1770 1790 1810 1830 1850 1870 1890 1910 1930 1950 1970 1990 2010 
Distribution

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Hop to next section Most Kept Species
1.
Hypancistrus debilitteraHypancistrus debilittera
(30%)
2.
Hypancistrus sp. (L270)Hypancistrus sp. (L270)
(20%)
3.
Hypancistrus zebraHypancistrus zebra
(20%)
4.
Hypancistrus sp. (L340)Hypancistrus sp. (L340)
(10%)
5.
Hypancistrus furunculusHypancistrus furunculus
(10%)
6.
Hypancistrus sp. (L236)Hypancistrus sp. (L236)
(10%)
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