Ancistrus hoplogenys is a name often used incorrectly in elder aquarium litterature. There was also some confusion about where this species originates from. With so many types of white-spotted, black Ancistrus known, confusion is certainly understandable. Its not unusual to see “Ancistrus hoplogenys” listed for sale, but often the fish behind the name is something else. The true A.hoplogenys, better known as L59, is a rare species known from Rio Guama near Belém, eastern Brazil. It’s easiest to identify by the red dots in the fins and the red caudal seam.
Facts:
Name: Ancistrus hoplogenys (Günther, 1864)
Trade names: L59
Origin: Rio Guama, Brazil
Maximum TL: 20 cm / 8”
Although A.hoplogenys is exported from Brazil occasionally, it still hasn’t become a mainstay in the hobby. The attractive red coulour fades with age, making A.hoplogenys all the more difficult to tell apart from other, similar species. More on how to tell some of these species apart in this brilliant article by Ingo Seidel. In their natural habitat, a clear water river, L59 are found on wood. Once settled, they can be kept and bred like most other Ancistrus species.
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