Guinancistrus niger

by Nikos Tsitouras

The fish in its "resting" position.

The fish in the "excited" state. Note the erected white hair on the sides of its head.

The fish is referred to as Guinancistrus niger in www.planetcatfish.com although the name most commonly used is Lasiancistrus niger. It is a rather rare fish - at least as far as availability of information is concerned. This species is found in French Guyana and Brazil. It may reach an adult size of 20 cm while the pectoral fins - when fully extended - can reach 18 cm. It looks a bit compressed when compared to most Ancistrus species.

I currently keep two specimens of this species. The second fish has almost no bristles while the "hair" on the fins is much shorter. Most probably I have got a pair so I will devote my 140 liter tank to them, introduce a PVC pipe and hope they will try to breed. All photos were shot with a "classic" SLR camera and 1600 ASA film to avoid the use of flash and reproduce the natural coloration of the fish.