Hypancistrus sp. (L004)
L004 Angelicus Pleco (Hypancistrus sp. (L004))
L004 Angelicus Pleco (Hypancistrus sp. (L004))
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Remarks: The L004 angelicus pleco (Hypancistrus sp. (L004)) is one of the beautiful Hypancistrus displaying an elegant black/dark gray body covered in white spots. These spots are larger in younger fish, growing more numerous and shrinking in size as they age producing a night sky appearance. They are frequently referred to as Peckoltia angelicus within the hobby but this is not a valid scientific name.
For a time, plecos with L-numbers L004, L005, L028, and L073 were all thought to be separate species. Now, they are recognized as being the same species with the different L-numbers just representing different populations. L004 and L005 are from the Rio Tocantins near Cametá with L004 just being the juvenile form of L005. L028 are known from the Rio Guamá near Ourém and L073 are known from the Rio Do Pará in the Portel municipality.
Care for the L004 angelicus pleco does not differ from most other Hypancistrus. They come from rocky areas of pristine, heavily oxygenated, warm, soft, and acidic water and will gradually decline in health in the home aquarium if these conditions are not replicated. Using a high-quality filter with a high flow rate along with a heater and frequent water changes will help keep these plecos happy and healthy. While the L004 angelicus pleco is an omnivore, like all known Hypancistrus, they mostly eat meaty foods with them gradually leaning more and more carnivorous as they age. So, to keep them well fed, they must be fed a varied diet high in protein. Protein rich gel foods like Repashy, bloodworms, and sinking wafers are good choices to feed to meet their dietary needs.
Most smaller Hypancistrus species do best in at least small groups, however they can become territorial especially during breeding. To reduce territorial fights and help the L004 angelicus pleco feel comfortable in the aquarium, plenty of snug, rocky caves should be provided for them to hide in. These caves are also where these fish will spawn if all other conditions are just right. They can be a very exciting breeding project as they are such a unique and beautiful catfish. An important thing to note, however, is that it is not wise to house the L004 angelicus pleco with other similar Hypancistrus as they can hybridize with it being near impossible to tell pure fish from hybrids.
Animal Data
Animal Data
- Native to: Brazil
- Breeding: Wild-caught in Brazil
- Max adult size: 3-4"
- Diet: Omnivore
- Social behavior: Peaceful
- Care skill: Intermediate
Tank Parameters
Tank Parameters
- Temp range: 76°F - 84°F
- pH range: 5.5 - 7.5
- TDS range: 15 ppm - 150 ppm
- Min Tank Size:
Shipping Info
Shipping Info
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. To avoid shipping delays, Canadian orders only ship out on Mondays and Tuesdays. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
Why buy from us?
Our Healthy & Happy Arrival guarantee
We've been packing and shipping live fish for over 50 years. When you buy from us, you get the healthiest stock and most experienced live fish shipping in the industry. So you know you won't be disappointed!
Will my fish look like the picture?
The majority of fish on our website will NOT look like their photos upon their unboxing. Fish change in appearance depending on many factors, including mood, age, gender, and social status. Fish will naturally lose color during shipping and may appear faded upon arrival. Pictures are used as examples only. Pictures may be of mature fish with full color or juvenile fish without color. We encourage you to research the species as much as possible prior to ordering in order to familiarize yourself with the various appearances they may take on. Many species have females that look drastically different to their male counterparts, and many juveniles will not have as much color (or different colors) as their adult forms. If you have questions about how the fish will look, please review their information and email us if you have any questions.
How do I know which fish can go together in my tank?
Research the product descriptions on our website and use Google search to help decide which fish can go together. PLEASE do your research and email us if you have any questions. Also, we have a very active Facebook group called Imperial Tropicals Fishkeepers where you can learn from knowledgable and experienced fishkeepers.
How do you ship live fish? Sounds risky!
We've been shipping live fish for over 50 years. we use specialized packaging and techniques to ensure their health. See how we do it.
How much does shipping cost?
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. To avoid shipping delays, Canadian orders only ship out on Mondays and Tuesdays. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
When will I get my order?
We need 2-4 days to select and pack your fish, you'll get a notification when it ships along with tracking info. It will arrive the next day or day after, depending on your location. See our Shipping Policy for full info.
What if my order is delayed? Will my fish be OK?
We ship hundreds of packages a week, and most are delivered without any issues thanks to our experienced team and premium air courier service. Our high-tech packaging is designed to sustain the animals a minimum of 2-3 days in the box, and in some cases longer, depending on the breed.
However, sometimes delays do occur. If this happens to your order, please document and contact us promptly following our inspection and documentation policies above in order to receive credit.
Can I change or cancel my order after it is placed?
Orders can be changed or cancelled within 24 hours, subject to a 10% restocking fee. Shipping is stressful for the animals and we cannot open boxes once they have been prepped and packed.
Can you hold my order until my tank is ready?
We can hold for a few days, but not beyond a week as inventory changes rapidly. Please only place your order when you know you will be ready to receive them.
What if my order is missing something?
First, please check the box and packaging thoroughly. If you are sure an item is missing please contact us immediately.
Do you offer pickup on local orders?
Yes! Just specify local pickup as your shipping option in checkout and we'll let you know when it is ready.
What if a fish I receive seems dead, sick or doesn't look right?
97% of our orders arrive without an issue. But if something goes wrong, no worries! You're covered under our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee