Lyre Tail Pleco - Acanthicus hystrix

Species name: Acanthicus hystrix

Synonym: Rinelepis acanthicus

Common Names: Carachama, Carachama mama, Lyre Tail Pleco

Family: Loricariidae (Armored catfishes), subfamily: Ancistrinae

Order: Siluriformes (catfish)

Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)

Max. Size: 53.0 cm / 26 inches

Environment: demersal; freshwater

Origin: South America: Brazil, Peru, Amazon area, Rio Tocantins, Guyana.

Temperament: Acanthicus hystrix (Lyre Tail Pleco) are timid in captivity, and it in the beginning has have pre-established hours of feeding. It can be aggressive if the space is little and is too much competition for its food.

Company: Can be kept together with most fishes.

Water parameters: pH 6.0 - 7.0 temperature 22 - 27°C/ 72-81°F

Aquarium setup: Acanthicus hystrix (Lyre Tail Pleco) are best suited for public aquariums and large private aquariums. adult animals can only be held in large aquariums. Acanthicus hystrix (Lyre Tail Pleco) prefers aquariums with hiding places among stones and wood furnish. Acanthicus hystrix (Lyre Tail Pleco) are active at all hours.

Feeding: Acanthicus hystrix (Lyre Tail Pleco) is omnivore, although most of its diet will be of vegetable origin. In captivity cucumber can be provided to replace this part of the diet.

Breeding: unknown

Picture of a Lyre Tail Pleco - Acanthicus hystrix. Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

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