Taxonomy
Order: Siluriformes
Suborder: Loricarioidei
Family: Loricariidae
Subfamily: Hypostominae
Genus: Chaetostoma
Species: Chaetostoma joropo, Ballen, Urbano-Bonilla & Maldonado-Ocampo, 2016
Description
Chaetostoma joropo is a medium-sized (approximately 12 - 15 cm long) species from the Río Meta basin in Colombia. It has many synonyms in the trade; for example, it can be found on stock lists as Chaetostoma sp. L187a, Spotted Bulldog pleco, or under the old name Chaetostoma sp. "Villavicencio I."
For a long time, this species was confused with Chaetostoma milesi, a species with similar general body characteristics and color pattern but found only in the Magdalena-Cauca River basin.
Chaetostoma joropo has a robust and stocky head with a noticeably broad, slightly protruding snout. The anterior and lateral portions of the snout are bare and covered with fleshy papillae and ridges. This snout has given it the common name "Bulldog pleco." Compared to other Loricariidae, it is a relatively compact species.
The largest specimen used for the scientific description of the species was approximately 12,5 cm (according to the type specimen, from the snout to the base of the caudal fin). According to the scientific description, this species has 23 - 24 bony plates along the lateral line and five rows of plates around the caudal peduncle (tail peduncle). The caudal peduncle is slender.
The head, body, and fins are covered with black spots on a grayish-brown base color. This is perfect camouflage for a stealthy lifestyle. In the right light, the color can also appear brownish-gold.
Distinguishing features of the L445:
The L445 differs from its closest relatives, including C. milesi and C. formosae, primarily in its color pattern.
- • Color pattern: C. joropo has distinct, light-colored spots on both the head and body, including the fins. This is in contrast to C. formosae, which has fewer spots.
- • The tail: The caudal peduncle (tail root) is narrower than that of related species.
Distribution and habitat
Chaetostoma joropo is described from the Piedmont region (the Andean foothills), in the Meta River basin and its tributaries. The Río Meta is one of the largest tributaries of the Orinoco and is part of the vast Orinoco River basin, one of the most ecologically important systems in Colombia. This confirms that L445 is a Colombian fish and not a Brazilian one, contrary to previous hobbyist assumptions.
The beds of these rivers and streams consist primarily of large boulders, pebbles, and gravel or sand, which provide numerous hiding places. It is a warm river with clear water and a strong current, typical of a tropical river in the lowlands (the Llanos Orientales). The water is soft, slightly acidic to neutral, and particularly rich in oxygen. The water temperature varies depending on the season and the specific location of the river, often ranging between 22 and 28 °C.
The Chaetostoma joropo lives here among and under rocks in areas with strong to very strong currents, in rapids (rheophilic). Its specialized mouth allows it to attach itself and prevents it from being swept away by the strong current.
C. joropo shares its habitat with several Ancistrus, Hypostomus, Rineloricaria and Otocinclus species.
Diet
Based on the analysis of the stomach and intestinal contents of the specimens used for the original description of Chaetostoma joropo L445 by Ball et al. in 2016, this pleco can be concluded to be an algivore (algae eater) with a slight omnivorous tendency. This also fits with its specialized mouth structure, which makes it a perfect grazer.
Analysis of the digestive tracts of the collected fish showed that their diet consisted primarily of:
- Diatoms: These constituted the majority of the algae ingested and are typical of rock-grazing species.
- Filamentous Algae: Other species of algae were also found growing on the substrate.
- Fine inorganic material: A significant amount of sand, mud, and fine gravel, likely ingested unintentionally while grazing on the rocks and potentially essential for digestion.
In addition to plant material, traces of insect larvae (Diptera larvae) were also found. Particularly fly larvae, indicating that the fish also ingests small protein sources encountered while grazing on the rocks. This intake of insect larvae means that the diet is scientifically classified as an algivorous omnivore.
What should I feed my Chaetostoma joropo L445?
In the aquarium it is therefore especially important to feed them mainly green food, varied with animal proteins every now and then.
I feed my C. joropo mainly EBO Spirulina paste (which I spread on a stone so they can graze naturally), EBO Spirulina soft granulate, and sometimes I alternate this with EBO Insect soft granulate. As a supplementary vegetable, I give them zucchini, which they can also graze on.
Aquarium
Minimum 100 - 120 cm in size.
This species is often offered in aquarium shops and is relatively inexpensive. It's also not too difficult to keep in an aquarium. Nevertheless, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep the fish healthy.
They can be kept in groups, but keep in mind that adult males can be territorial toward each other and other fish. Therefore, combine these fish with non-competitive species that also enjoy oxygen-rich water with a strong current.
Rocks and pebbles of varying sizes are important for the setup. This creates a clear territorial structure. In my experience, even the smallest males can be very territorial toward each other. It's possible that, with the right water parameters, they can breed on the smooth surfaces between the rocks.
C. joropo is primarily active at dusk and night and dislikes bright light. On the other hand, bright light can promote the growth of algae and spores in the aquarium, which the fish will graze on. With a constant current, they generally emerge more frequently to graze.
Powerful water movement and high oxygen levels are essential. High oxygen levels are essential, supported by powerful water movement, as warm water holds less oxygen. The L445 has a fast metabolism, which can quickly affect water quality. Weekly water changes are therefore essential.
Sex difference
Unfortunately, I don't currently have any photos of the sexing of Chaetostoma joropo. If anyone has an adult L445 that I could take photos of, please feel free to send me a message!
Adult males develop elongated odontodes (dermal teeth) on the sides of their heads and the rays of their pectoral fins.
Reproduction and breeding
Not much is known about breeding Chaetostoma joropo in the hobby. As far as I know, captive breeding has only been done a few times with this species.
I assume this species, like many other Chaetostomas, lays eggs in a narrow crevice or a smooth surface such as a flat rock or against the glass of the aquarium. This genus rarely breeds in ceramic breeding caves. Many Chaetostoma males develop larger pelvic fins during the breeding season. This may be related to egg fertilization in fast currents.
Normally the male cares for the eggs until the young hatch.
Literature
Ballen, G. A., Urbano-Bonilla, A., & Maldonado-Ocampo, J. A. (2016).
Chaetostoma joropo (Siluriformes: Loricariidae), a new species from the río Meta basin, Colombia.
Zootaxa, Vol. 4126 (1): 121 – 130
