Hypostomus faveolus L-037

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The Hypostomus faveolus L-037, also known as Honeycomb, is a South American loricariid recognized by its reticulated pattern and sturdy body. Native to the Rio Araguaia in Brazil, this bottom-dwelling fish lives in areas where current shapes a mineral substrate scattered with rocks, wood and plant debris. Its generally peaceful behavior, surface-grazing habits and still occasional availability in the trade make it appealing to specialized aquarists. The specimens offered are wild-collected fish; careful acclimation and well-oxygenated water are therefore essential.

General description of the species

Hypostomus faveolus L-037 is a medium to large bottom-dwelling pleco in the family Loricariidae, adapted to flowing waters of the Tocantins-Araguaia basin. It spends much of its time on rocks, submerged wood and the substrate, using its ventral sucker mouth to attach itself and rasp surfaces. Its net-like pattern, reminiscent of a honeycomb, explains the common name Honeycomb. This species reaches a substantial size for a home aquarium and therefore needs a spacious tank, efficient filtration and sturdy hiding places. Its availability is generally occasional, making it less common than many captive-bred plecos.

Geographic origin and habitat

This species comes from Brazil, in the Rio Araguaia basin. It is associated with tropical waterways where current is present and the water remains well oxygenated. The natural setting includes rocky outcrops, sand or gravel, and submerged trunks and branches. Riparian vegetation provides shade and organic input, while the structure of the riverbed offers grazing surfaces and shelter. In the aquarium, steady circulation, good oxygenation and a layout containing wood and shelters reproduce its needs better than a bare or stagnant tank.

Precise locality and local name

The reference locality is the Rio Araguaia in Brazil, within the broad Tocantins-Araguaia system. In its native country, this pleco may be called cascudo, a Portuguese term commonly used for several armored loricariids. In international aquarium keeping, the code L-037 and the name Honeycomb are the most practical labels for identification. Since vernacular names can vary among regions and fishers, the L-number remains especially useful when purchasing or exchanging specimens.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is robust, ventrally flattened and protected by rows of bony plates. The background color ranges from grayish brown to olive brown, with lighter and darker markings forming a reticulated or honeycomb-like design. The sucker mouth, spiny fins and strong dorsal fin are typical of a bottom-dwelling loricariid. Pattern intensity can vary with age, stress and surroundings. In adults, the combination of a well-armored body and honeycomb pattern makes the fish fairly distinctive among Hypostomus offered to aquarists.

General diet

Hypostomus faveolus L-037 is mainly herbivorous and detritivorous, grazing biofilms, algae and organic matter deposited on surfaces. In captivity, its diet should include vegetable-based wafers, zucchini slices, cucumber or other cleaned vegetables, preferably offered after the lights go out. Natural wood is also recommended as part of the layout and as a source of fiber for many loricariids. Algae growing in the aquarium may not provide enough food, especially for larger specimens. A regular diet rich in vegetable fiber and delivered to the bottom helps maintain good condition while water quality remains a priority.

Essential data

• Native river: Rio Araguaia
• Local name used: Cascudo
• Origin of the scientific name: The genus name Hypostomus and the specific epithet faveolus
• Meaning of the full name: Hypostomus means lower mouth; faveolus refers to a honeycomb or small honeycomb cell, referring to the body pattern
• Common/vernacular names: Honeycomb, Cascudo, L-037
• Family: Loricariidae
• Subfamily: Hypostominae
• Pronunciation: hy-po-STO-mus fa-VE-o-lus
• Discovery: Rapp Py-Daniel, Zuanon and Rocha, 2011
• Maximum adult size: About 30 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 29 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.5
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Tropical flowing water with mineral substrate, rocks, submerged wood and riparian vegetation
• Typical tankmates: Open-water characins; small South American cichlids; other current-loving fish; peaceful loricariids
• Temperament and behavior: Generally peaceful, bottom-dwelling, most active at dusk and during the night
• Water depth: Bottom areas in shallow to medium-depth sections
• Sexual dimorphism: Limited; adults may differ in body shape and odontode development
• Bottom structure and flow: Sand or gravel mixed with rocks and wood, with moderate to strong current

In your aquarium

For successful care of Hypostomus faveolus L-037, provide a mature, spacious and well-filtered aquarium with warm, stable and highly oxygenated water. Add adequately sized shelters, natural wood and grazing surfaces, then feed the fish after the lighting period has ended. Avoid overcrowding and aggressive tankmates that could compete for shelter or food. Because these are wild-collected fish, slow acclimation, quarantine and close observation during the first few weeks are sound practices.