Ocelot Pleco L174

Geographic Origin and Biotope: The Xingu Dwarf. A species severely threatened by the construction of the Belo Monte dam, it comes from the middle/lower course of the Rio Xingu. Lives hidden in the very narrow crevices of granitic and spongy rocks on the river bottom, where the water flows at impressive speeds at torrid temperatures (up to 32°C / 90°F in the dry season).

Taxonomy and Morphology: The Bonsai Feline Pattern. Visually unmistakable: compact and minute body that stops at only 6-8 cm (2.5-3 inches), large eyes and flat head. The livery, unlike the L400 or L333 which feature broad vermiculated bands, in the L174 is a dense and disorderly succession of small dark punctiform maculae reminiscent of an ocelot's coat.

Social Behavior: The Small Peaceful Hermit. Very shy. Abandons the rocky hiding places only with lights out to patrol the bottom in search of small invertebrates. Totally harmless to any other fish. Males show a faint territorial aggression solely for the control of the breeding tube.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Cream White and Ink. The background varies from light grey to pure cream white, covered by an intense bloom of irregular black specks. Adult males, although tiny, develop "beards" of spiny odontodes on the gill covers and thick spines on the first rays of the pectoral fins; females remain smooth and rounder.

Tank Setup: Demands "Dwarf Caves and Hydrodynamics" (Tank min. 60 cm / 24 in). Fundamental to fill the bottom with dens (terracotta tubes, stacked slate or special perforated ceramic rocks) of the minuscule diameter suitable for the fish (just enough to let it enter). Powerful water flow and massive surface oxygenation (airstones and wavemakers). Thin substrate.

Feeding and Diet: Nocturnal Carnivorous Hunter. COMPLETELY IGNORES ALGAE. Strictly supply with lights out bloodworms, mysis, fish eggs, and small-grain protein sinking pellets. Always check that it feeds and is not overwhelmed by competition.

Water Quality: Roasting Oxygen Necessity. Ideal temperatures are extreme: 28-32°C (82-90°F). Warm water retains less oxygen, so filtration must be excellent with strong surface turbulence. Very sensitive to nitrites and nitrates.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Specialized Warm Community. Suitable for Xingu biotope tanks with other small peaceful Hypancistrus, Tetras that tolerate the heat and calm dwarf cichlids. DO NOT COMBINE with voracious giant loricariids (Panaque, Leporacanthicus) or aggressive bottom fish (Botia) which would leave them to die of starvation stealing the tablets.

Aquarium Reproduction: Micro-Cave Spawner. If cared for, will lay in its own tube. Gigantic eggs for such a small fish (often just 10-15 eggs per brood). The male guards the nest blocking the entrance with his own body and fanning incessantly. The young are perfect miniaturized replicas of the parents from the first weeks.

Risks and Diseases: Lethality from Competition and Malnutrition. The greatest risk is dying of invisible starvation: being so small and nocturnal, if the aquarist only provides food for omnivores/algae-eaters by day, the L174 will waste away closed in its tube. Intolerant to water-polluting medications.