H.sp. L500 from Rio Uatumá was brought to Norway in the mid 2000s, and this form was in fact first brought to my attention by Brazilian ichthyologist Leandro Melo de Sousa during the L-Number Days in Hannover in November 2013 – before this nobody had heard about it. The individuals we have seen so far are very variable in their pattern, and there’s still a lot to learn about their true identity. In the December 2016 issue of DATZ magazine, we presented H.sp.“Uatumá” with the number L500. It’s still available in the hobby, although no new imports of wild specimens have occured.
Facts:
Name: Hypancistrus sp.
Trade names: Hypancistrus sp. “Uatumá”, L500
Origin: Rio Uatumá, Brazil
Maximum size: 15 cm / 6”
As with all Hypancistrus, this species 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 fairly 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. L500 has proven to be easy to breed, like with most other Hypancistrus.
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