Taxonomy & naming
This is an undescribed form: no scientific name, authority or type material stands behind it, and its identity and range are not documented in the sources the atlas uses. L349 is an L-number, the system DATZ magazine began in 1988 for imported loricariids that could not be identified. Imperial Tropicals lists it as an uncommon species of Ancistrus.
Morphology
Imperial Tropicals describes fine lime-green spots over the fins, head and body, like the spots of a green or blue phantom pleco, and long, elaborate snout tentacles on adults. The seller calls it a miniature version of those larger plecos.
Habitat
Imperial Tropicals says it comes from Peruvian waters. No habitat measurements are recorded.
Feeding
Ancistrus are grazers on algae, biofilm and soft plant matter that also take prepared foods (genus-level); this form's diet is not documented.
Mating
Ancistrus are cave spawners in which the male guards the eggs (genus-level). Spawning of this form is not documented.
Breeding
No captive-breeding record for this form is held by the atlas.
In the aquarium
Imperial Tropicals recommends it as a small-tank alternative to the larger spotted plecos. No adult size or water figures are held by the atlas.
Conservation
No IUCN assessment exists for this undescribed form. Its range and numbers are not documented, so its conservation status cannot be stated.