Known as the Queen Arabesque Pleco, L260 caused quite a stir when it first arrived in the trade in Germany in 1996. It has a beautiful wormline pattern of dense, swirling white lines against a dark bodycolour and can only be confused with L411 from Rio Jari. This is one of the Hypancistrus species currently allowed for export from Brazil, and it’s among the most popular representatives of its genus.
Facts:
Name: Hypancistrus sp.
Trade names: Queen Arabesque Pleco, L260
Origin: Rio Tapajos, Brazil
Maximum size: 12 cm / 5”
Somewhat similar to L411, but L260 doesn’t grow as big and has clearer markings. The genetic relation to the spotted form L262 is very close, and they are in fact only separated in the wild by a waterfall. L260 occurs downstream below Itaituba to Santarem. Strange looking, interim forms with a pattern of spots and lines have been found among wild specimens (see one of the pictures), suggesting that L260 and L262 may sometimes crossbreed if they meet in the wild.
L260 needs 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. It’s a rather small and timid species that should not be exposed to too much competition over food and shelter. 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.
More info:
http://www.l-welse.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/275/cat/30
http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=229
https://www.scotcat.com/loricariidae/hypancistrus_sp_l260.htm