Hypancistrus sp. (L 173)
L 173 with the typical banding. Not all animals look alike.
Name: Hypancistrus sp.(L 173)
Trade name: zebra catfish
Site / Distribution: Belo Monte, Rio Xingu, Pará, Brazil
Introduction: DATZ 8/1994
Description: L 173 was in the DATZ 08/94 presented as deviating from Altamira Hypancistrus zebra on the Rio Xingu. The attached picture is in fact a catfish that matches the body shape and the habit of H. zebra. Only in the front torso area, the drawing is different. The typical black parallel bands perform just before striking taping some disordered waves. Significantly different to the Hypancistrus Zebra.
Features / variability:
Said in advance - Hypancistrus sp. (L 173) - is one of the most expensive member of the genus. 3 cm juveniles are sometimes offered for 300 Euros and also sold. The animals arouse desires the little hobby, but have much to do with status. As with L 236, rarity and demand has led to a confusing situation in which intentional fraud and unintentional hybridization many serious breeders make life difficult.
Certainly Hypancistrus is sp.(L 173) very closely related to H. zebra. However, the animals show very marked differences. Although H. zebra forms, variants with irregular banding remains the body shape and body size a good way to differentiate. With more than 12 cm total length L 173 is quite large. Then there are the elongated caudal lobe, which can not be found in H. zebra.
Adult female of L 173rd This animal is very similar to zebra Hypancistrus. It is possible that L 173 is a transitional form.
