The Hypancistrus Contradens L201 3-3,5cm(Hypancistrus contradens) is a small loricariid native to the Orinoco basin, appreciated for its dark body dotted with light spots. Offered here in a size of 3-3.5 cm (young specimens), it fits perfectly into our freshwater world and is suitable for well-equipped aquariums with good filtration and plenty of hiding places.

Behaviour & maintenance

TheHypancistrus L201 is a nocturnal fish , discreet and generally peaceful with other species, but it can be territorial with its fellow fish or other loricariids of similar size, especially when in need of refuge.

• Active mainly at night, hides in roots, rocks and tubes during the day.
• Compatible with small and medium-sized calm fish occupying the environment and surface.
• Avoid cohabiting in small volumes with other dominant Hypancistrus or Plecos without multiple hiding places.

Provide an aquarium of at least 120 litres for a small group, with powerful filtration, a moderate to strong current and well-oxygenated water. Use starter bacteria to stabilise the cycle and check your parameters regularly with water tests.

Feeding

Hypancistrus contradens is an omnivore with a strong carnivorous tendency. It should not be considered as a simple "algae eater".

• Base: sinking protein pellets and tablets for carnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.
• Regular frozen/live supplements (artemia, mysis, krill, mud worms, small crustaceans).
• A moderate vegetable supplement (mixed pellets, small pieces of vegetable) may be offered from time to time.

See our range of foods for bottom-feeding fish. In planted tanks, support plant growth with aquarium fertiliser.

Water quality

• Ideal temperature: 26 - 30°C
• pH: 5.8 - 7.5
• GH: 2 - 12 °dGH
• KH: 1 - 6 °KH
• Conductivity: 100 - 300 µS

Before installation, treat the water with a water conditioner. Maintain excellent water quality with weekly changes of 20-30% and monitor your parameters with our water tests.

Decor & environment

In its natural environment, Hypancistrus contradens frequents rocky areas with currents. Reproduce a décor rich in hiding places:

• Aquarium substrate such as sand or rounded gravel.
• Numerous caves, tubes, stones and roots to provide individual refuges.
• Subdued lighting, with areas of shade and shelter.

For the ideal environment, use aquarium substrate, ouraquascaping elements and aquarium lighting. Add decorations to increase the number of hiding places.

Maintenance sheet

Aquabota tip

Give each Hypancistrus its own hiding place (tube, cave, gap between rocks) to limit territorial tensions. Ensure sufficient current and very clean water by regularly checking your parameters with water tests.

Shipping & delivery of live fish

The fish are shipped with care in suitable isothermal packaging, guaranteeing their safety during transport.

Delivery methods

• France Express (secure home delivery in France, Belgium and Luxembourg)
• In-store collection at Sombreffe (Belgium)

Shipment organisation

• Orders closed: every Monday at 10.00 am.
• France: departures on Monday or Tuesday, depending on the delivery department, for delivery between Tuesday and Thursday.
• Belgium & Luxembourg: departures on Monday and Tuesday for delivery between Tuesday and Wednesday.