All fish / Loricariidae

Luna Pleco

Hypancistrus lunaorum

Also known as l339, l-339, ldA19, lda19, l 339, luna pleco, hypancistrus sp. l339, orinoco spotted hypancistrus, L339, ハイパンシストルス・ルナオルム, L339异型

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A dark grey to black pleco covered in small white or cream spots, described from the Orinoco and its tributaries. It is kept for its striking spotted pattern, modest size and lively behaviour in well oxygenated tanks with rocky caves.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

26 to 30 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

120 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a group with plenty of caves; males are territorial

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and mysis, with some vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Orinoco basin, Venezuela and Colombia

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs and wrigglers inside a narrow cave until they are free swimming. It has been bred in captivity fairly regularly given warm, clean, well oxygenated water and suitable caves.

Good to know

Needs strong flow, high oxygen and warm water; males defend caves against other bottom dwellers. Several similar spotted Hypancistrus are traded under related L numbers, so check the source.