Back in the 90’s when this form was only known as LDA19 and “Mega Clown Pleco”, it was a real sought-after species because of the striking looks of the fish that represented the form in the original picture by Erwin Schraml. Later it became known as L340 as it was imported from Colombia in greater numbers, but simultaneously it was revealed that even this striped Hypancistrus form is highly variable. Only few individuals show a “reversed” pattern of fewer/thinner black stripes. In Japan, especially striking individuals marketed as from “Moriche” are offered with a very high price tag – some of these can be seen in the picture gallery on this page. Nowadays L340 are among the cheapest and most readily available Hypancistrus species in the trade, and with it’s nice looks and small size it’s suitable for a wide range of set-ups.
Facts:
Name: Hypancistrus cf. debilittera
Trade names: Mega Clown Pleco, LDA19, L340
Origin: Rio Tomo, Colombia.
Maximum size: 9 cm / 4”
L340 is very similar to L129. They can be told apart by the number of teeth in the lower jaw; L340 has the lowest number of teeth in the lower jaw of any Hypancistrus species (2-6 on each side). L340 is also usually more rust-red or orange in its base colour compared to the more yellow/grey L129. There’s also a slight difference in body shape; L340 is a little more compressed and has a slightly wider head than the more elongate L129. In pattern the two forms can’t be separated. It should come as no surprise that further forms of the H.debilittera-complex have been found elsewhere in the Orinoco-system. L454 is a blackwater type from Rio Atabapo with bigger eyes and larger adult size, and L474 is a form from Rio Sinaruco in Venezuela with a higher number of teeth in the upper jaw. We can expect further forms to be discovered in the future.
All these forms probably belong to the same species, H.debilittera. They are different populations, separated by natural borders which the populations don’t cross. Over time they have developed certain traits to adapt to their habitat, which explains the differences in teeth, pattern, eyes and maximum size. As responsible fishkeepers we should aim to keep these forms separated in our aquariums to avoid crossbreeding
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 (26-30 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/355/cat/30
http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=1116
https://www.scotcat.com/loricariidae/hypancistrus_sp_l340.htm