Lamontichthys

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Upper Amazon Basin (Peru, Brazil). Lives in rivers (White and Clear water) characterized by very strong currents, sandy/pebbly bottoms and extremely high oxygen saturation.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Filament Loricaria (Lamontichthys filamentosus). Amazing Loricariid with a flattened and extremely elongated body. The main feature are the first rays of the pectoral, dorsal and upper caudal lobe fins which extend into very long filaments.

Social Behavior: Totally inoffensive and peaceful, both with other species and with conspecifics. Unlike many loricariids, it is not a cave-dwelling loner but prefers to station in groups on woods lapped by the strong current.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Light sand-brown base (perfect camouflage on the bottom), often with a delicate checkered or vermiculated pattern along the back. Sexually mature males develop odontodes ("fuzz") on the margins of the head.

Aquarium Setup: Stream fish tank (River manifold/Hillstream). Very fine sand, rounded river pebbles, sunken smooth woods. One or more oversized wavemakers (continuous uni-directional flow) are categorically required.

Diet and Feeding: Herbivore/Aufwuchs gleaner. In nature it scrapes the organic film (algae and micro-organisms) on stones exposed to the current. Provide sinking spirulina tablets, raw zucchini, and occasionally frozen bloodworms.

Water Quality: Extreme cleanliness requirements. Intolerant to ammonia and nitrites (tolerates nitrates only < 10ppm). The water must be hyper-oxygenated; a drop of O2 in the tank will be fatal in a few hours.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Do not insert in generic community aquariums. Excellent with current-loving fish such as small stream Characins, Corydoras (e.g. arcuatus), and Sturisoma. Avoid aggressive cichlids that would damage its delicate filaments.

Aquarium Reproduction: Rare. Open surface spawners: they lay a cluster of large amber eggs on smooth surfaces (e.g. glass or large leaves) in a strong current. The male takes care of ventilation until hatching.

Risks and Diseases: Starvation due to immature tank. Often imported wild, they struggle to recognize industrial feeds. If placed in sterile tanks without a consolidated algal carpet on the glass, they will starve within a month.