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Ben Kramers (3) Knut Kjesbu (7) Allan James (2) Ingo Seidel (1)

This species is a mutation of a dark coloured form from Paraguay of which the identity was not known. The strain was fixed by the crossing of this species and the normal coloured Ancistrus sp. Only one wild caught specimen of L144 was ever imported and all offspring was from this male. This species has black eyes which is a a melanistic form whilst Ancistrus sp "albino" has red. Aquarium Care: The Ancistrus genera make good community fish where they do not grow too big for the aquarium. Some species have different requirements in the aquarium so best to read up on the species you have whereas if they need higher oxygen requirements or not, or if they prefer cooler waters if they originate from the southern parts of South America against the species from further up north. Diet: Vegetable foods such as cucumber and courgette and also tablet and meaty foods. Reproduction: The female lays her eggs in caves or crevices... that the male has chosen and cleaned.... as a cluster. The male usually then guards the eggs after ejecting the female. The fry then cling to the sides of the cave and when they use up their yolk sac, which is around the four to seven day period, they will be ready to feed on infusuria, vegetable matter, brine shrimp naupli or micro worms. In a community tank a few will survive if enough hiding places are afforded to them. Remarks: This species is said to be not the true L144, but a cultivated form and would probably be labeled as Ancistrus sp. 'yellow'. The last thumbnail image is probably the true L144.

L144, Yellow Ancistrus

None

Loricariidae

Paraguay

14.0cm. (5½ins)

22-27°c (71-81°f.)

6.0-7.5.

All L-Numbers Datz Special. www.datze.de
ScotCat Article no. 81. Kjesbu; Knut. My Breeding Experience with Ancistrus sp. L144.
Seidel, Ingo; Back to Nature guide to L-catfishes 208 p.