Hypancistrus sp. L236 Glaser

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Since the original picture of L236 by Hartl was published, it has been one of the most sought-after among all L-numbers. Later, we learned that the pattern displayed by the original can occur in most of the Xingu-based Hypancistrus forms. In the 90s, the pattern was used as a key above other traits like eye size, caudal shape, and so on. Unfortunately, this led to some very unfortunate crossbreedings. We have a lineage called L236 here in Norway, which was imported from Aquarium Glaser in Germany a few generations ago. Our first fish were German-bred, but pictures of the breeding stock that supplied Glaser were never published, again very unfortunate. There's no doubt that the lineage we have here is a very nice one, but we are not able to determine if their ancestors were of the same form or of different forms with a similar pattern.

Facts:

Name: Hypancistrus sp. "L236 Glaser"

Trade names:

Origin: Rio Xingu, Brazil.

Maximum size: 12 cm / 5''

The "L236 Glaser" in our care never grows bigger than about 12 cm. This could be due to various reasons, of course, but it could possibly suggest that L66 and L333 were not part of the original breeding stock that supplied Glaser. L399/400 seems more likely, as this form is already very variable in the Xingu river. Our lineage varies in base color from white to cream-yellow and always shows broad, black wormlines – usually with little space in between. This pattern certainly fits with the original L236, but it can also be found in other Xingu forms like, for instance, L333. It's more than likely that the original L236 was either a young L66 or an L399/400.

They need an aquarium set up consisting of lots of hiding places in the form of rocks, wood, and, of course, specially made caves that suit their measurements. In these, the males will eventually guard their offspring. They prefer water that is fairly warm (27-30°C), soft, and slightly acidic. Most of all, it should be well oxygenated and clean, so a good filtration system and frequent water changes are essential. Among themselves, they are fairly peaceful, although males may quarrel for caves and females can sometimes be badly injured or even killed during the breeding-trapping in the male's cave. Males develop longer odontodes on their pectoral fins and on their cheeks and have broader heads. Hypancistrus are mostly carnivorous, so a selection of crustaceans, insect larvae, and fish meat should be offered along with high-quality dried foods that also contain some vegetable matter.

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