| Hypancistrus zebra | |
|---|---|
| Juvenile. Photo: Birger A | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Loricariidae |
| Genus: | Hypancistrus |
| Species: | H. zebra |
| Binomial name | |
| Hypancistrus zebra Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1991 |
|
Hypancistrus zebra, gets its name from its black and white stripes, resembling the colouration of a zebra. It is a species of catfish endemic to the Big Bend area of the Xingu River, a tributary of the Amazon River, and was first described in the early 1990s.[1] This fish was exported from Brazil in great numbers for sale as aquarium fish. However, in 1998 the Brazilian government banned the export of all species of Hypancistrus, including H. zebra. H. zebra is threatened by the construction of the Belo Monte Dam in the Xingu river which will cause a severe reduction of the water flow of the entire known distribution range of the species. It is subject to several captive breeding programs.
Mature males have a larger head and longer interopercular spines than females. After spawning, the males will guard the eggs. The fry swim after seven days and absorb the yolk sac in two weeks.[2]
Hypancistrus zebra is called L046,L098,L173 in terms of the L-numbering convention often applied to Loricariidae. H. zebra is a predator, feeding on small invertebrates such as chironomid-larvae.[2] It is nocturnal, moderately territorial, and prefer plenty of hiding places.[2]
http://www.brianstropicals.com/zebras.html - export ban
http://www.zebrapleco.com/ - The Official Home of Hypancistrus Zebra owners and breeders