Hypancistrus sp. (L201)

Published / Updated

Information

The beautiful Hypancistrus sp. (L201) pleco is a South American Loricariidae that according to planetcatfish is found in Upper Rio Orinoco near Minicia and Rio Ventuari. They are pretty similar to Hypancistrus inspector (has a black stripe on the edge of the caudal and dorsal fin) and Hypancistrus contradens (has a higher body vs L201).

Care tips

  • Prefers higher temperatures (like most Hypancistrus species do)
  • Highly oxygenated tank
  • Most likely carnivore
  • Do also provide plant-based diet
  • Provide sand, rocks and driftwood
  • They can be pretty territorial

Hypancistrus sp. (L201) is also known by Orinoco angel pleco and L201.

Below you can find photo and video collection of the groups of L201 plecos that I have kept. I had a decent amount of time with this species (roughly 10 years with pause periods). If I recall correctly my breeding group consisted of 16 species with many successful breeding attempts. I intentionally didn't interrupt the natural care giving of the male with fry. The male raised the fry within the same tank as the adults, and basically each time I left the male in charge. This is not perse the best option depending on your intentions. Please note that some of the photos below also display Hypancistrus contradens!

Please contact me if the provided information is faulty.

Photo gallery

This photo gallery contains images. Photos were taken between 2006 and 2016. Latest photos are always at the top. Click on each image for full-screen view.

Video gallery

This video gallery contains videos of my L201 plecos. Latest videos are always at the top.

Hypancistrus sp. (L201) video

This capture shows closeups of adult, juvenile and fry L201 plecos.

  • Video capture date 2009-2013.
  • Male failed to keep the fry in the nest
  • Also displayed Hypancistrus contradens, Corydoras panda, Cherry shrimps (Neocaridina davidi) and Assassin snail (Anentome helena)

Hypancistrus sp. (L201) video

This capture shows closeups of an injured L201 pleco.

  • Video capture date 2013
  • Heavily injured L201 pleco
  • Most likely due to fighting
  • Eventually the pleco did recover after some intense care