Hypostomus longiradiatus L-145

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Hypostomus longiradiatus L-145 is a South American loricariid associated with the Rio Guamá in Brazil. Known in the aquarium trade under the code L-145, this sucker-mouth catfish is distinguished by its long fin rays and sturdy body shape. It is mainly a bottom-dwelling fish, usually staying close to the substrate while grazing surfaces and exploring shelters. Its high rarity makes it a sought-after fish among specialized aquarists. Because this is a wild-collected species and an exclusive Ton.Fish offering in Canada, careful acclimation and responsible long-term care are especially important.

General species description

Hypostomus longiradiatus L-145 belongs to the armored South American catfishes. It spends much of its time resting on the substrate or attached to surfaces with its ventral sucker mouth. The L-145 code is a trade designation used before or alongside scientific identification and remains particularly useful in the aquarium hobby. This species is valued for its natural appearance, developed fins and discreet but regular presence in the aquarium. It requires a spacious aquarium with efficient filtration, well-oxygenated water and several shelters. Activity is often more noticeable at dusk or after the lights go out. Its rarity rating is Very rare, making a careful purchase and stable maintenance especially important.

Geographical origin and biotope

This species is associated with the Rio Guamá in Pará State, Brazil. Its habitat belongs to the eastern Amazon drainage, a warm region where waterways may have wooded banks, riparian vegetation and substantial organic matter. Along the bottom, fish encounter rocks, submerged wood and accumulations of plant debris that provide shelter and grazing surfaces. In the aquarium, this structure should be recreated rather than replaced with a completely open layout: roots, smooth stones and stable hiding places are valuable. Warm, clean and well-circulated water is preferable to stagnant conditions. The wild status makes thorough quarantine and gradual acclimation particularly important.

Precise location and local name

The reference locality provided for Hypostomus longiradiatus L-145 is the Rio Guamá in Pará, Brazil. In Brazilian usage, loricariids are commonly called cascudo; the term acari is also used in several Amazonian regions for armored catfishes. These are broad common names and do not replace scientific identification or the L-145 code. In stores, the fish may therefore be listed under its scientific name, its L-number or both. For such a rare species, keeping the source and stock code with the purchase records is particularly useful. This helps prevent confusion with other Hypostomus showing a similar pattern.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Hypostomus longiradiatus L-145 has the sturdy, flattened body typical of loricariids, covered with bony plates rather than soft scales. Its ventral mouth forms a sucker adapted for attachment to surfaces and grazing. The feature most clearly associated with the species name is the presence of especially long fin rays, particularly in the dorsal fin. Overall coloration is subdued, ranging from brownish to grayish, with a more or less mottled pattern depending on the individual and its condition. The fins may carry contrasting markings. As with many armored catfishes, the spines require care during handling. Good condition is suggested by a filled belly, intact fins and regular breathing.

General diet

In the aquarium, Hypostomus longiradiatus L-145 should receive a varied diet with a strong vegetable component, although its natural diet may also include organisms associated with surfaces and organic debris. Algae-, spirulina- or vegetable-based tablets make good staples. These can be supplemented with prepared zucchini, spinach or green beans, removed before they decompose. Occasional richer foods, such as protein-containing wafers, may add variety without becoming the main diet. Feeding is best done after the lights go out, when the species becomes more active. Natural algae growth should not be expected to meet all of its nutritional needs. Regular feeding and clean water help maintain a well-rounded belly and good overall resistance.

Essential data

• Original river: Rio Guamá
• Local name: Cascudo; acari
• Origin of the scientific name: A taxonomic name; the species epithet refers to the elongated fin rays.
• Meaning of the complete name: Hypostomus comes from Greek and refers to the lower position of the mouth; longiradiatus means long-rayed, from longus, long, and radius, ray.
• Common/vernacular names: Cascudo, acari, L-145
• Family: Loricariidae
• Subfamily: Hypostominae
• Pronunciation: hy pos toh muss long ee rah dee AH tous
• Discovery: Claude Weber, 1986
• Maximum adult size: Approximately 25 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 25 to 29 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.2
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: Tropical waterway bordered by riparian vegetation, with submerged wood, plant debris and sheltered areas.
• Typical tankmates: Medium-sized Amazonian characins, peaceful cichlids, robust catfishes and other species suited to warm, well-oxygenated water.
• Temperament and behavior: Generally peaceful, bottom-oriented, discreet and most active at dusk; may defend a shelter from another specimen.
• Water depth: Lower to middle sections of waterways; prioritize a large bottom area.
• Sexual dimorphism: Difficult to see in young fish; mature males may develop a broader head and more pronounced odontodes.
• Bottom structure and flow: Sand or fine gravel, roots and stones, with moderate flow and good oxygenation.

In your aquarium

Success with Hypostomus longiradiatus L-145 depends on a mature, spacious aquarium with strong filtration and shelters where the fish can retreat during the day. Since this is a wild and very rare species, quarantine, slow acclimation and close observation of feeding are essential. Provide warm, stable and well-oxygenated water, a non-abrasive substrate and regular vegetable foods. Avoid excessive bottom competition and aggressive tankmates. Consistent maintenance protects both this Canada-exclusive specimen and its long-term welfare in captivity.