PlanetCatfish.com

Hello! I've had a nice group of L204 for about 3 years now. I have them in a tank that I used to grow them out and it has been successful to this point in doing so, as they are about 4.5" to 5", and I can tell so far it looks like 3M / 2F as a ratio. The COTM 12-05 article states that you need patience, and is very vague as to tank specifics... Anyone have experience withthese?

I can't offer advice on breeding L204 but I can tell you I have two trios of young adults four to five inches that have been set up for a year. I am just posting because misery loves company. I am waiting for something to happen, also.

I have provided caves but I've never seen one use them. They stick to the bogwood like glue.

They are among my favorite plecos because they are not shy like so many of the Hypancistrus species and their striking appearance.

My specimens are extremely found of earthworm sticks as are most of my Loricaridae.

I was lucky enough to have a mature male take a cave (NOT spawn) by burying a 1.5" piece of black abs plastic pipe in small pieces of driftwood faced away from the current formed by a powerhead. The opening for the cave was the only hole big enough for the fish to get into, so the rest of the wood became irrelevant. The pipe was 8" long and capped at the end with a piece of slate.

When I turned the cave towards the current (so I could see in) he stoped using it. When put back to the original position, he went back in.

I had a spawning attempt (female went in and stayed a bit) but no eggs. I have since sold the pair to a better breeder so I can't offer any more information. My water was 78-80F, ph of 7.8, kh of 4.5. I didn't test after adding all the wood, however. Tank was a 20g long and those were the only two occupants. I did not light the tank and it stayed pretty dim. The pair were big fish, 5", the biggest I"ve seen. They just came in huge by chance at the LFS.

Good luck to both of you!!

Thanks!

My tank is a 40 long setup with 2 inlets on the left side and 2 800 GPH powerheads on the right side, plumbed in w/ 1/2" pvc creating a suction sponge power filer setup... works really well! There is not that much movement because the flow is going thru a rock wall that I put together (ill try to put up pics later), but there is nice current... I have to get some caves for them yet, but the tank is not lit much at all and the water is closer to 80F, pH of 7.6...

I will try some caves and go from there, hope for the best. Tons of wood for them and some annubias (tough) plants.