This unusual Leporacanthicus originates from the Orinoco. The L-number was given already back in 2002. Initially the fish was imported from Colombia. It is said that these fish were collected in the area around Puerto Carreño. We currently received this fish for the first time ever; our specimens come from Venezuela. L326 differs from all other species of Leporacanthicus with a similar coloration by the shape of the caudal fin, which has two well developed tips. Since the original introduction of the species in the DATZ magazine nothing was heard of the fish anymore; indeed we thought initially that our importation would belong to an absolute new species. Ingo Seidel gave us the hint where to reasearch for – thanks for that!
It is said that this Leporacanthicus can reach a size of about 25 cm. The shape of the mouth – the upper lip has extensions like barbels – and the long, fang-like teeth are typical for the genus. Most probably these fish use their teeth to draw snails out of their shell. In any case L326 is a carnivorous fish that prefers to feed on frozen food items and usually refuses plant material in the aquarium.
The shape and number of the white spots differ individually a lot, but besides the already mentioned shape of the caudal fin the whitish borders of the dorsal and the caudal fin seem to be species-specific.
For our customers: the fish have code 26480-L 326-1 (4-6 cm) and 26480-L 326-3 (8-10 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in small numbers only!
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
