Hypancistrus inspector · L102

Overview

Hypancistrus inspector, known as L102, has large pale spots on a dark background, with smaller spotting on the head. It is peaceful, but breeding stocks should be kept away from other members of the genus to avoid hybridization.

Distribution & habitat

It is native to the upper Negro in Brazil's Amazonas State and parts of Venezuela's Casiquiare system linking the Negro and Orinoco. Typical collection sites are rocky rapids.

Aquarium setup

Provide at least a 120 × 45 cm footprint. Rocks, sand, fine gravel, and rounded boulders can form a stream arrangement. Add wood, ceramic pipes, or pots to create shaded crevices and visual barriers.

Prevent organic accumulation with weekly water changes of approximately 30–50%. Maintain good oxygenation and some movement through suitable filtration, circulation, or aeration; caves alone do not meet its environmental needs.

Diet & feeding

Wild fish are probably omnivorous, favoring aquatic invertebrates and other small animals. Offer sinking foods, water fleas, mosquito larvae, bloodworms, and shrimp meat, with suitable fruit or lightly cooked potato. Gel foods can combine vegetables, spirulina, and animal ingredients.

Behaviour & compatibility

Its peaceful disposition allows carefully selected companions with matching requirements. Avoid combining breeding stock with other Hypancistrus, even when the fishes look similar.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature males develop more extensive pectoral and gill-cover odontodes and often show an overall reddish tone. From above they are generally slimmer than the stockier females.

Breeding

Aquarium spawning is documented. Eggs are laid in a cave and cared for by the male.

Notes

In similar Hypancistrus contradens, head and body spots are closer in size and the folded dorsal fin reaches the adipose spine. This species has smaller head spots and a shorter-reaching dorsal fin. Some historical Orinoco material was reassigned to the relative, so old labels deserve scrutiny.