First coded the number L294
in the German DATZ magazine in the February edition
of 2001. Similar looking to Leporacanthicus
galaxias.
Description: The genusLeporacanthicusis characterised bythe possession
of having a small suckermouth with lip barbels on
the top and pointed teeth. Leporacanthicus
is readily identifiable from all other Ancistrini
by the development of only two teeth in each premaxilla,
the inner teeth being very long (all other Ancistrini
have more than two teeth in the premaxilla), by having
a well-raised supraoccipital crest (the supraoccipital
in most Ancistrini is flat to slightly raised) and
by having numerous long barbels above the upper jaws.
It has been hypothesized that the enlarged teeth of
the upper jaw are used to remove snails from their
shells (Burgess 1994). The males have a more elongated
body and a broader head and they also posses short
odontodes on the edges of the snout which the females
lack. Aquarium Care: This fish can
be territorial with its own kind and so must have
a big enough aquarium if more than one is kept. Regular
water changes must be adhered to, and also having
a powerful filter system that can deliver a high oxygen
content. Hiding places are beneficial to this fish
with bogwood or wood of some description and/or some
rockwork. Diet: Not a true vegetarian
so a wide variety of foods including algae, algae
wafers, cucumber or courgette (zucchini), prawns,
shrimps, insect larvae, zoo plankton, mussels, fish
meat and tablet food.
If you would like to contribute to the monthly
factsheets with an article, information or photos, please e-mail
me. You will of course be credited for your work.
If you would like to donate any denomination
of monies to the site just click the above link button. All proceeds
will go to running the site and hopefully to keep it going for a few
years yet.