Lamontichthys llanero

Classification

Loricariidae, Subfamily: Loricariinae

Distribution

Orinoco basin, Venezuela.

Habitat

Inhabits shallow, flowing waters, where it lives among the rocky substrates and driftwood snags.

Maximum Standard Length

8″ (20cm).

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

48″ x 12″ x 12″ (120cm x 30cm x 30cm) – 108 litres.

Maintenance

A stream-type setup with a gravel or sand substrate, driftwood, and rounded stones and rocks would simulate its natural biotope, but it’s equally at home in a planted tank. It does need well-oxygenated water with a lot of movement, though, and live plants tend not to do so well under these conditions. It will not do well without a degree of current running through the tank.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)

pH: 6.0-7.0

Hardness: 2-10°H

Diet

Omnivorous. It should be offered vegetable matter in both fresh (cucumber slices, blanched spinach etc.) and dried (algae wafers, spirulina tablets etc.) forms. It will also accept small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm or daphnia and these should be fed regularly.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

Unaggressive but perhaps not the best choice for a general community tank, due to its rather specialised requirements. Possible tankmates include peaceful characins that can tolerate water movement, reophilic cichlids such as Retroculus or the African Steatocranus and other Loricariids requiring similar conditions. It’s peaceful enough with conspecifics and can be kept in groups.

Sexual Dimorphism

Unknown.

Reproduction

Has been achieved, but few details are available. The fish spawn on a flat surface, sometimes using the aquarium glass.

NotesTop ↑

A rarely seen species in the hobby.