Ever since the original picture of L236 by Andreas Hartl was published, it has been among the most sought after and coveted of all L-numbers. Later we have learned that the pattern displayed by the original can occur in most of the Xingu based Hypancistrus forms. Back in the 90’s, pattern was used as key above other traits like eye size, caudal shape and so on to justify new L-numbers. This of course led to some very unfortunate crossbreedings. Today, the line traded as L236 “Super White” has gained great popularity globally. This is a line-bred form with a significantly higher amount of white (or beige) than black colour.
Facts:
Name: Hypancistrus sp.
Trade names: L236, L236 “Glaser”, L263 “Super White”
Origin: Rio Xingu, Brazil.
Maximum size: 14 cm / 6”
It’s more than likely that the original L236 was an aberrant colour morph of L66 or L399/L400. We know today that such morphs can occur in clutches from normal looking parents. Through linebreeding based on such deviant individuals, the captive strain of L236 has been well established. All the wormlined forms of Hypancistrus from Rio Xingu are likely to be variations of the same species, with a very high degree of pattern variability. L236 is more a definition of a certain pattern (fewer dark lines) than a form or a species. The pattern has been made more extreme through captive breeding. Less “fine-tuned” strains of L236 on the market will produce offspring with more / thicker black worm-lines, giving them a more ordinary appearance. One such strain is marketed as L236 “Glaser”, a term used to define these as “b-grade” compared to the more striking and more expensive strains out there (such as “Super White”). The origin of the Super White strain is Robert Budrovcan, a German breeder who based his work on a couple of especially nicely patterned specimens imported to Aquarium Glaser around the turn of the Millennium. More on that here: https://www.planetcatfish.com/shanesworld/shanesworld.php?article_id=496
They need an aquarium set up consisting of lots of hiding places in the form of rocks, wood and of course specially made caves that suit their measurements. In these the males will eventually guard their offspring. They prefer water that is warm (27-30 C), soft and slightly acidic. Most of all it should be well oxygenated and clean, so a good filtration system and frequent water changes are essential. Among themselves they are peaceful, although males may quarrel for caves and females can sometimes be badly injured or even killed during the breeding-trapping in the male’s cave. Males develop longer odontodes on their pectoral fins and on their cheeks and have broader heads. Hypancistrus are mostly carnivorous, so a selection of crustaceans, insect larvae and fish meat should be offered along with high quality dried foods that also contain some vegetable matter.
More info:
http://www.l-welse.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/251/cat/30
http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=969
https://www.planetcatfish.com/cotm/cotm.php?article_id=495
http://www.faunatropica.eu/fish/plecos/hypancistrus-sp-l236/