Taxonomy
Order: Siluriformes
Suborder: Loricarioidei
Family: Loricariidae
Subfamily: Hypostominae
Genus: Baryancistrus
Species: not described yet
Description
The Baryancistrus sp. L142 / LDA33 is also known as the Snowball Pleco. It probably got this name because the fish itself is dark black or dark brown and has large round white dots all over its body. These dots can vary in size and shape but are generally round or oval and bright white or sometimes light yellow. The fins of this fish are also generally dark colored with the same white dots as on the body. This makes it a striking and therefore very popular armored catfish in the aquarium hobby.
The LDA33 has the typical flat belly and sturdy, armored body shape that is characteristic of Baryancistrus species. Its body is robust and it has a broad, flat head. The dorsal fin is high and triangular.
Furthermore, the eyes are relatively large and often brown in color.
Distribution and habitat
Baryancistrus sp. L142 / LDA33 is only found in Brazil. Here it lives in the Rio Tapajós, an important tributary of the Amazon.
Here it lives in fast-flowing rivers and streams with a rocky bottom and many hiding places. The water is clear and oxygen-rich with a strong current. The temperature is between 26 and 30° C.
It prefers areas with many rocks, pebbles and driftwood, which serve as hiding places and breeding grounds.
Diet
The L142 / LDA33 is an omnivore (all eater) with a clear preference for plant material. In its natural habitat, the L142 / LDA33 feeds mainly on algae that grow on rocks and driftwood. It also eats small invertebrates, such as insect larvae and crustaceans that live in the algae and between the rocks. Occasionally it also eats detritus, organic waste material, that lies on the bottom.
It is important for the health and well-being of this fish to give it a balanced diet in the aquarium. In addition, it is also really important that they have constant food. This species eats a lot and its health will quickly deteriorate if it does not get enough food, so it is advisable to feed at least once or twice a day, preferably when the lights are off. They are nocturnal animals.
If they do not get enough food, their bellies will quickly collapse and turn black. Especially with newly arrived imports, they often have collapsed and black bellies, so a good quarantine period is important!
They have a sensitive digestive system, a diet that is too rich in proteins can lead to digestive problems.
Algae are very important here. It is possible to grow algae in the aquarium or to feed Spirulina tablets or Spirulina granulate.
In addition, vegetables such as zucchini and (blanched) spinach can also be fed.
For proteins and proteins, mosquito larvae, water fleas and artemia are an excellent food.
I feed my Baryancistrus sp. L142 / LDA33 with EBO Spirulina tabs, EBO Spirulina paste and EBO Spirulina soft granulate. In addition, I sometimes also give them EBO Plankton tabs, EBO Insect soft granulate and Futterdose Krill soft granulate.
Aquarium
Because the Baryancistrus sp. L142 / LDA33 can grow to a medium size of 25 - 30 cm and shows quite territorial behavior, it needs a spacious aquarium. An aquarium of at least 150 cm in length is recommended for an adult specimen. Larger aquariums are always better, especially if you want to keep more than one L142's / LDA33's.
The Baryancistrus sp. L142 / LDA33 is very sensitive to water quality, so good filtration and regular water changes are important. In addition, oxygen-rich water is also a must for this species.
It prefers a strong current in the aquarium, sufficient hiding places and also sufficient swimming space. The temperature should be between 26 and 30 °C.
Fine sand can be used for the bottom. The aquarium can be decorated with stones, breeding caves and driftwood to create hiding places. Please note that everything is placed well and firmly because the Baryancistrus sp. L142 / LDA33 likes to dig in the sand.
The L142 / LDA33 can be territorial, especially towards other bottom dwellers, although it is generally peaceful towards other fish in the aquarium. Suitable aquarium companions are, for example, medium-sized cichlids and characins.
Sex difference
Unfortunately I have not found a pair of this species for an extensive photo series regarding the sex difference. It is comparable to the Baryancistrus xanthellus L81 and L177.
Reproduction and breeding
Breeding this species is not easy and to my knowledge it has not yet been bred.
