Hypostomus weberi L-167

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Hypostomus weberi L-167 is an armored South American catfish belonging to the loricariids, recognized in the aquarium trade under the L-167 code. Associated with the Rio Negro in Colombia, this loricariid remains a less common presence in specialized aquariums. Its sturdy body, ventral mouth adapted for grazing and mainly crepuscular activity make it an interesting resident for a large regional aquarium. The specimen offered is wild collected and is available exclusively from Ton.Fish in Canada, making it an option for aquarists looking for a less frequently encountered form.

General description of the species

Hypostomus weberi L-167 is a bottom-dwelling loricariid that uses its sucker mouth to attach to surfaces and collect biofilm. Like several species in the genus Hypostomus, it is most active when the lighting decreases and appreciates shelters, roots and grazing surfaces. The L-167 code is a commercial designation used before or alongside the scientific identification. In an aquarium, it should be considered a potentially substantial fish and kept in a stable, well-oxygenated environment. Its availability remains less common, particularly in wild-collected specimens.

Geographic origin and biotope

Hypostomus weberi L-167 is associated with the Rio Negro in Colombia, within the Amazon basin. The natural environment includes calm to moderately flowing areas, with submerged wood, stones and leaf accumulations that provide shelter and feeding surfaces. An aquarium inspired by this habitat should use moderate lighting, a root-based layout and a substrate that allows the fish to move without injury. Effective filtration and stable water are important for this benthic catfish, especially while it is being acclimated after collection from the wild.

Precise locality and local name

The geographic reference provided for Hypostomus weberi L-167 is the Rio Negro in Colombia. No specific local name is retained here. In the specialty trade, the names L-167 and “Hypostomus weberi” are used to identify this form. To preserve accurate traceability, it is best to keep the collection code together with the origin information when purchasing the fish. This precaution is especially useful for a less common species obtained from the wild.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Hypostomus weberi L-167 has the typical shape of an armored catfish: a ventrally flattened body, bony plates, strong pectoral fins and an inferior mouth adapted for adhesion. Its coloration is generally dark, with markings that may vary according to age, condition and the origin of individual fish. The body and fins should be checked on arrival, since wild-collected fish may require gradual acclimation. Its sturdy appearance and habit of grazing on surfaces distinguish it from more delicate loricariids.

General diet

Hypostomus weberi L-167 benefits from a varied diet made up of sinking tablets for bottom fish, vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber, and foods containing plant ingredients. Natural biofilm can supplement its diet, but the aquarium’s algae should not be its only food source. Offer food mainly after the lights go out to match its crepuscular and nocturnal activity. Natural roots can also provide grazing surfaces and enrich the environment. Remove uneaten food to help maintain good water quality.

Essential data

• Name of original river: Rio Negro
• Local name used:
• Origin of the scientific name: Genus name Hypostomus combined with the epithet weberi.
• Full-name etymology: Hypostomus comes from Greek and means “lower mouth”; weberi honors Weber.
• Common/vernacular names: L-167; Rio Negro pleco.
• Family: Loricariidae
• Subfamily: Hypostominae
• Name pronunciation: hy-pos-TOH-mus WEB-er-eye
• Discovery:
• Maximum adult size (cm):
• Water temperature and pH:
• Appearance of the watercourse and surrounding vegetation: Watercourse with submerged wood, stones, leaves and riparian vegetation.
• Typical tankmates: Small characins, dwarf cichlids, other peaceful loricariids and bottom fish of comparable size.
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful and benthic, mainly active at dusk and at night; it seeks shelter and grazes on surfaces.
• Water depth:
• Sexual dimorphism:
• Bottom structure and flow: Bottom with wood, stones and plant debris; calm to moderate flow.

In your aquarium

To succeed with Hypostomus weberi L-167, provide a spacious aquarium, reliable filtration, good oxygenation and several hiding places. Offer a varied vegetable diet supplemented with sinking tablets, especially in the evening. Avoid aggressive tankmates or species that compete heavily for bottom space. Since this is a wild-collected and less common fish, careful quarantine and gradual acclimation are especially advisable. Stable water, suitable décor and respect for its nocturnal rhythm are the keys to long-term success.